Reflecting on the Future

Today's a big day for the future. Irrespective of what side of the political aisle you sit on, the future of America's foreign policy and impact across the globe will be decided. This may seem like an overstatement, but quite frankly it's not. This business of "America's role in the world" is serious. In recent days, I've read punditry about how during the Clintonian 90s the world was bothered by America's hubris - yet, they (aka "the rest of the world") really have a problem with the past 8 years of America's engagement with the world. In another breath I'm reading about the impact of U.S.'s dramatic increase in funding for international development under this administration. In Africa alone it's quadrupled, which has some parts of the continent buzzing. Hypocritical? Yea probably, but it does demonstrate the value America - and Americans - bring to the world.

War, peace, aid, terrorism, diplomacy, global partnerships: the to-do list abroad is long for the next President. Every Presidential election is important. But, with so many massive issues to grapple with, this one feels like the country is looking at the future just a bit more closely.

Taking Action on the International Day of Peace

As we approach September 21 -- the International Day of Peace, individuals and organizations are working feverishly toward world peace around the world. I came across a nice opinion peace by Kurt Pinette of The Clock in Portsmouth, NH - read the story.

Not sure what you can do for the International Day of Peace? I've got a simple idea - how about a pinwheel? Pinwheels for Peace is a fantastic global project organized that takes a childhood symbol and uses it to remind us of our need to work toward world peace. Do you remember how to make a pinwheel? Read more about the project. Maybe a school in your community is participating in their campaign.


Question of the Day: What will you do to advance world peace on September 21?

The Reality of Perception

Cold War. War of Choice. World War. Gulf War. War on Drugs. Cyber War. War Footing. War of Words. Civil War. War on Terrorism. War of Ideas. Star Wars. We tend to use the word “war” too much.

The perception around the world (broadly) is Americans are war-loving people. Proof can be found on satellite dishes offering sitcom re-runs to the far corners of the earth with options, such as Miami Vice, Cowboy Westerns, and Law & Order or an endless stream of ‘action’ movies as ambassadors of American society.

Obviously, the term “war-loving Americans” can’t be statement further from the truth. But, is perception reality?

Opinion seekers from the Pew Global Attitudes Project have studied American sentiment abroad since 2002. The news and trends aren’t good. A spirit of anti-Americanism around the world still exists and in certain regions, it runs high.

But if you ask Americans (as World Learning and the Aspen Institute did in a January 2008 survey), nearly 9 out of 10 citizens are concerned about the continuing decline in the United States’ reputation overseas. We can’t be too self-interested if we are fretting over how others perceive us. Can we?

How are we addressing this problem? Head on. Track Two diplomacy. Non-kinetic warfare. Soft power. Irregular warfare. PsyOps. Conflict prevention. Multi-track diplomacy. This double-speak will work flawlessly.

If we are so articulate about describing war, let’s be just as clear about what we want in its place: peace.

Question of the Day: What is the best way to combat the negative perception abroad?