Summary:What is the America′s role in the world? That question spawned many more. Why should the U.S. go into Iraq? Are we making the world a better place by being more active? Has the preemptive doctrine created a more unstable world? Why are many countries in the world against the United States in the war to liberate Iraq? Should we go after every dictator? Are we on a highly slippery slope?
The last century was the bloodiest in the history of mankind. The world is in another chapter of war and conflict. America′s role, according to William Bennett and Robert Bartley, is greater than it was before 9/11. In their view, the war is the result of failed and civilized negotiation. And in the long run, the U.S. role in this war will lessen the threat to the humanity and increase our security. The countering view, presented by Stephen Richter and former Senator Gary Hart, was that the war may lessen U.S. power and its ability to deal with international conflict by cooperative means. Richter was not certain that the world will be a better place because of this war.
Bartley read from a letter issued by the Bush administration expressly stating its intent to pursue an activist role in the world. Both Bennett and Bartley felt strongly about America's activist role, citing instances in which they felt restraint worked to our detriment. Both felt that the war in Iraq was an example - and a justified demonstration - of that policy.
Hart and Richter agreed that America should act when the danger is clear and present, but neither was convinced that the timing of our invasion into Iraq was ideal. Richter also emphasized that even when right, America must be sensitive to global perceptions of its actions. Failure to be sensitive to those perceptions could result in failed policies in the future, Richter feared.
As both a social and military power, all panelists agreed that when we must use force, we must use it "justly, wisely and emphatically."
All four panelists were optimistic about the role of the U.S in the future. With the rule of law intact, checks and balances, and the principals upon which the U.S. was founded, it was felt that America will come through the current conflict and take a positive leadership role in the world.
Bennett closed the session by quoting the late Senator Patrick Daniel Moynihan: "We are not a perfect democracy, but find me a better one."
