The campaign, so far, has not revealed a new overarching approach to replace the false promise of a global democratization age. Security First is a master key that opens all the major foreign policy doors:
Russia: Focus on securing small nuclear bombs and fissile materials, given that the greatest threat to our security is nuclear terrorism and that 90% of the bad staff, in loose hands, is in Russia. Nunn Lugar has not been increased since 9/11. Instead the US pushes Putin to democratize, wasting our breath.
North Korea, Iran: Promise to stop the threat of forced regime change (which we cannot bring about anyhow) in exchange for nuclear deproliferation, Libya style. (i.e. remove and disable, not inspect dual use facilities.) Also, we must commit not to support terrorism e.g. stopping the arming and financing Hezbollah.
Iraq, Afghanistan: Treat them as tribal societies and not as nations. For now, let the various ethnic/confessional groups use their own armies to impose securities in their provinces. The US should secure regional borders and the few remaining mixed areas and prevent invasions from other nations. Like in Belfast, once the sides cool off, work for political settlements leading to eventual nation building and democratization.
Islam: Most Muslims are “illiberal moderates”- against terrorism but not for democracy. Think Sistani. Ally ourselves with all who are partners in peace.
For more, see Security First: For A Muscular, Moral Foreign Policy (Yale University Press, 2007).
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