Don’t Wait for the Next War: Rethinking America’s Global Mission by Wes Clark
Can America have a real national strategy and move forward together without the focus of war? In the twentieth century, America came together to become the "Arsenal of Democracy," and emerged from World War II as the greatest power in the world. We shaped a global civilization in our own values, first with international institutions and our allies, then triumphing over our long-term adversary, the Soviet Union to emerge as the world's lone superpower. But in losing our adversary, America's leadership has founded. We have not replaced our post-World War II strategic vision with something appropriate for a postwar role. In Syria, and more broadly across the Middle East, bellicosity has not served us well and we look adrift in the face of that regions turbulence. Guns and swords dont seem to help.
Americas new challenges, global in scope, not amenable to military solutions, require intricate interdependence between government and the private sector. Terrorism, cybersecurity, financial system vulnerabilities, the rise of China, and accelerating climate change constitute a new class of national security challengesand meeting these will require America to revisit hallowed mythologies and concert domestic and foreign policies in a way which has never before been achieved. All the resources are at hand, but will we have the vision and will to lead? Based on his experience at the highest levels in the military, politics and business, Wesley Clark offers a way forward, if only the American people will demand it of their elected leaders.
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delrem
(9,688 posts)has been what has driven the US's wars of military/economic empire.
It's an interdependence aimed at short term high profit goals, for a now global elite, and it has no other interest.
Enthusiast
(50,983 posts)"But in losing our adversary, America's leadership has founded."
I believe they mean to say America's leadership has floundered.
I agree with the following. We have not replaced our post-World War II strategic vision with something appropriate for a postwar role.
Ain't that the truth.
Some of the more radical right wing extremists have suggested we simply use our military might and take the resources we want. I guess that will be the end game if we continue to embrace Fascism.
elleng
(131,370 posts)Twenty1first
(32 posts)NO.....and that's the simple answer. So we march on!
Snarkoleptic
(6,002 posts)This based on your profile and this screwball comment "we want to give Americans energy freedom from Alberta that is clean and secure. Of course we want to make sure your image is not teared, and you are happy with 1.29 per gallon at the pump"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1127&pid=70999
elleng
(131,370 posts)and would if such as Wes Clark had more to say and do about it.