American Foreign Policy

FOREIGN POLICY, MEET THE PEOPLE. Robert Y. Shapiro and Yaeli Bloch-Elkon, The National Interest, Sept/Oct 2008, pp. 37-42. "Partisanship used to stop at the water’s edge. But times have changed; the U.S. electorate is now deeply divided—and not just on domestic-policy prescriptions. Facing a rift among the masses greater than that spawned by either the war in Korea or Vietnam, this legacy may well handicap the next president—and seriously impair U.S. foreign policy. READ MORE

THE NEW AMERICAN EMPIRE? David A. Lake, International Studies Perspectives, August 2008, pp. 281–289. "The phrase 'American empire' has reentered the popular lexicon but remains contested. What does it mean to say that the United States is an empire? Why has this term resurfaced after so many decades to describe the United States in the new millennium? What does this mean for American foreign policy?" READ MORE

OBAMA'S 10 WORST IDEAS, Anonymous, Foreign Policy, Sep/Oct 2008, var. pages. "Both John McCain and Barack Obama have many smart policy proposals, but not all of them are ready for prime time. In this List, FP looks at 10 Obama ideas that should have never seen the light of day. READ MORE MCCAIN'S 10 WORST IDEAS  FP already roasted Barack Obama’s 10 worst ideas. Now, it’s John McCain on the hot seat. READ MORE

On Democracy

MAKING THE WORLD SAFE FOR PARTIAL DEMOCRACY? QUESTIONING THE PREMISES OF DEMOCRACY PROMOTION. Arthur A. Goldsmith. International Security, Fall 2008, pp. 120-147. "Democracy promotion is a favored strategy to advance the cause of world peace, especially in the Greater Middle East, but undifferentiated democracy promotion has two faulty premises. First, all progress toward the establishment of democratic regimes does not necessarily make the global community safer. Second, regime change is not something external actors have the capacity to direct along desired pathways. The first assumption fails to consider the well-documented security problems caused by partial democracies. The second assumption overstates the ability of powerful outsiders to induce transitions to full democracy. These research findings are grounds for cautious and selective democracy promotion, not a blanket approach that is indifferent to the composition of the regimes designated to be reformed and democratized. READ MORE

WHY DEMOCRACIES FAIL. Ethan B. Kapstein and Nathan Converse, Journal of Democracy, October 2008, pp. 57-68. "Many of today’s developing-world and postcommunist democracies are at risk of reversal. What are the key factors that lead to democratic collapse?" READ MORE

Iraq

AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY AFTER IRAQ. Robert J. Pranger, Mediterranean Quarterly, Summer 2008, pp. 55-67. "Given the ongoing and intense controversy in the United States over the Iraq war and a draw-down of American forces from that country’s turmoil, it may seem premature at this time to think of any foreign policy “after” Iraq, but increasingly we will see evidence of such thinking in the debate on how to end this conflict. America’s greatest strength is its optimism, even at the lowest points of public despair. Questions are even now being raised, as the 2008 presidential campaign becomes the center of national attention, about basic foreign policy issues for the future, despite the pessimism surrounding American conduct in Iraq. These broader issues concern a fundamental problem: what is right for the American people in foreign policy?" READ MORE

IRAQ AND THE NEXT AMERICAN PRESIDENT. Toby Dodge, Survival, Fall 2008, pp. 37-60. "The original justification for the invasion of Iraq, the incompetence displayed in its aftermath, and the high costs of the occupation have undermined the possibility of bipartisan agreement on Iraq. The danger for both US policymakers and the long-suffering Iraqi people is that American politics will continue to shape Iraq policy well beyond the next US presidential election on 4 November 2008. While both candidates have presented starkly different plans for Iraq, those seeking to influence the political and military strategy of the next US president have been held hostage by domestic party concerns. The hazard for the next president is that his Iraq policy will owe much more to bitter and ideologically driven arguments in Washington than the actual situation in Baghdad. In order for the next president to avoid yet another Iraq debacle, both candidates' policies need to be held up against the Iraqi realities they wish to shape." READ MORE

IRAQ'S LONG-TERM IMPACT ON JIHADIST TERRORISM. Daniel L Byman, Kenneth M Pollack, Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, July 2008, pp. 55-68. "This article argues that the problems facing Iraq could have tremendous consequences for the broader 'war on terror,' particularly if they return to or exceed levels seen at the height of the violence in 2006. Salafi militants, followers of an extreme interpretation of Islam who want to use violence to unite Muslims under religious rule, have been fighting in Iraq and may use the country as a base for operations and attacks elsewhere in the region. In addition, refugees from Iraq might spread terrorism, radicalize neighboring populations, and contribute to strife and instability throughout the region." READ MORE

Iran

THE CONUNDRUM OF IRAN: STRENGTHENING MODERATES WITHOUT ACQUIESCING TO BELLIGERENCE. John Brennan, Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, July 2008, pp. 168-179. "After nearly three decades of antagonistic rhetoric and diplomatic estrangement between the United States and Iran, the next president has the opportunity to set a new course for relations between the two countries. When the next president takes up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Iranian officials will be listening. The president must implement a policy of engagement that encourages moderates in Iran without implying tolerance for Tehran's historic support of terrorist activities. This strategy will require patience and sensitivity to the complex political realities inside Iran." READ MORE

THE 'DEMAND-SIDE': AVOIDING A NUCLEAR-ARMED IRAN. Bradley L. Bowman, Orbis, Fall 2008, pp. 627-642. "This article examines the historical record of 'nuclear rollback' and the motivations for Iran's apparent pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability in order to identify the broad principles that should guide U.S. and international efforts to resolve the nuclear crisis with Iran.1 The author argues that Iran, like all states, seeks security and respect. For many Iranians, the past three decades provide proof that such security and respect can only be attained with a strategic nuclear deterrent. In 2009, if the United States can show Tehran a genuine path to security and prestige that does not require nuclear weapons, Tehran might give it serious consideration. However, if the United States and the international community fail to address Iran's legitimate need for security or its desire for international respect, Bowman believes it may only be a matter of time until Iran obtains a nuclear weapons capability." READ MORE

THE LATTER-DAY SULTAN POWER AND POLITICS IN IRAN. Akbar Ganji, Foreign Affairs, November/December 2008, var. pages. "The real decision-maker in Iran is Supreme Leader Khamenei not President Ahmedinejad. Blaming Iran's problems on President Ahmadinejad inaccurately suggests that Iran's problems will go away when Ahmadinejad does." READ MORE

Taiwan's 2008 Elections and Their Impact on U.S.-China-Taiwan Relations. Winberg Chai. Asian Affairs, Summer 2008. pp. 83-92. Outgoing Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was defeated in the historic 2008 presidential and legislative elections, and voters returned the reins of government to the long-ruling Nationalist Party (KMT). The author analyzes the KMT's return to power after eight years of DPP rule, its significance, and its potential to create new stability in East Asia and better cooperation between the United States and Taiwan. READ MORE


US-Muslim Relations

AMERICAN MUSLIMS AND THE USE OF CULTURAL DIPLOMACY. Hafsa Kanjwal, Georgetown Journal of International Affairs, Summer/Fall 2008, pp. 133-139. "Kanjwal explores the specific role that the younger generation of American Muslims plays in using cultural expression to bridge the gap between Western and Muslim societies. He opines that the American Muslim community must take on a non-traditional diplomatic role to represent Islam to the greater American community. READ MORE

BIN LADEN'S SOFT SUPPORT. Kenneth Ballen, The Washington Monthly, May/July 2008, pp. 19-23. "Negative public opinion towards the United States acts as a real political constraint on the leaders of Muslim countries, limiting their ability to work with America and its allies on everything from counterterrorism operations to negotiating peace agreements. Like most analysts, we had assumed that radical views in the Muslim world were the outgrowth of a deeply held ideology, unshakeable without profound shifts in American foreign policy. We were wrong. American actions may inflame Muslim opinion. But the solutions that can cool that hostility aren't always the ones you'd expect." READ MORE

FALSE PROPHETS. Geneive Abdo, Foreign Policy, July/August 2008, var. pages. "Building bridges between Muslims, Christians, and Jews seems like a worthy goal. But, by glossing over serious differences, the organizations at the forefront of interfaith dialogue confuse discussion with success-and end up leaving everyone at risk. For More: FP’s interview with Geneive Abdo about her U.N. experience and conversations with Islamist leaders, and Reaction letter by John Esposito." READ MORE

HOMELAND INTERESTS, HOSTLAND POLITICS: POLITICIZED ETHNIC IDENTITY AMONG MIDDLE EASTERN HERITAGE GROUPS IN THE UNITED STATES. Kenneth D Wald, The International Migration Review, Summer 2008, pp. 273-301. "Why do ethnic diasporas in the United States differ in their readiness for political mobilization on behalf of homeland interests? This study develops a tiered model of politicized ethnic identity emphasizing both individual-level traits and group/collective properties. Using Zogby 'Culture Polls,' the theory is tested on three Middle Eastern heritage groups in the United States (Jews, Arab Christians, Arab Muslims). Empirical analysis confirms that individuals differ in their readiness for mobilization around Middle East issues based on the strength of ties to the ethnic community and, net of such differences, each group varies based on the contexts of exit and reception it faced at the time of immigration. The findings suggest that studies of diaspora influence on American foreign policy need to take account of the mass base rather than focus exclusively on elite behavior." READ MORE

US Society & Values

BECOMING TYLER: BILL COLLECTOR TURNED BILLION-DOLLAR MEDIA MOGUL WAS MOLDED FROM PAIN, PROMISE AND PERSISTENCE. Margena A. Christian, Ebony, October 2008, pp. 72-84. "Tyler Perry is an accomplished African American director, screenwriter, playwright and actor. Yet just ten years ago he was struggling, recently homeless, hungry and having trouble paying the rent on his apartment, yet persevered believing in his talent and message. In 1998 he finally found success in the theater. In 2005 his DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN brought him success in film. Perry has thrived in his movie career without the help of Hollywood; he owns 100 percent of his movies.” READ MORE

THE NEW EVANGELICALS. Frances Fitzgerald, New Yorker, June 30, 2008, pp. 28-35. "There is a new movement among evangelicals that is friendly to science, environmental protection (including fighting global warming), caring for the poor, immigration reform and humane treatment of detainees, and it is 'posing the first major challenge to the religious right in a quarter of a century,' writes journalist and author Frances Fitzgerald. Evangelical leaders such as Joel Hunter and Rick Warren are setting a national agenda very different from that of the fundamentalist right that had so much influence in the 2004 presidential election. The new evangelicals are theologically conservative and remain opposed to sex outside of heterosexual marriage and abortion, but 'they lack the cultural attitudes descended from the fundamentalist resistance to modernist thought, such as a distrust of science, a rejection of institutional solutions to poverty.' Hunter and others have been criticized, but polls show that half of all evangelicals have substantial differences with the religious right. 'The younger generation, that’s what’s driving this thing,' Hunter says."   READ MORE

REGULATION CREDIT CARDS: ARE TOUGHER REGULATIONS NEEDED TO PROTECT CONSUMERS? Marcia Clemmitt, The CQ Researcher, Oct. 10, 2008, pp. 817-840. "As home refinancing dries up as a source of cash for many Americans, credit card debt is rising faster than ever. Seeking to protect consumers from serious debt trouble, Congress is discussing the first significant legal restraints on credit card issuers imposed in many years — and possibly the toughest ever. The banking industry argues that most people don't get into severe financial distress from credit card spending and that a crackdown on fees and other bank practices could dry up the consumer credit that drives the economy. But some consumer advocates say that the approximately 35 million households behind in payments or over their credit limits demonstrate that tough action is needed — including caps on interest rates. Meanwhile, some economists warn that increasing the earning power of working-class families is the only long-term solution to consumer credit woes." READ MORE