December 03, 2018
American Foreign Policy Could Use More Prudence
During George H. W. Bush’s single term in the White House, the Berlin Wall fell and Germany reunified peacefully, the Warsaw Pact dissolved, the Soviet Union crumbled and the Cold War ended. The American military ejected Manuel Noriega from Panama and liberated Kuwait from Saddam Hussein. The United States emerged as the world’s preeminent power after four decades of superpower standoff.
This outcome was the product of both long historical forces and key actors, including Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. But it was not inevitable.
As the world order shifted dramatically, George H. W. Bush steered the ship of state with experience, expertise and—though it launched a million gibes—prudence. America emerged from his tenure stronger than before, with its adversaries weakened or transformed. “I’m certainly not seen as visionary,” he wrote in his diary. “But I hope I’m seen as steady and prudent and able.” That oft-mocked prudence was key to Bush’s success.
Read the full article in The Atlantic.
More from CNAS
-
Address NATO at the Munich Security Conference
Commentary
President Trump has an opportunity to address tensions with NATO at the Munich Security Conference.While he should articulate his grievances, he also should lay out his requir...
By Jim Townsend
-
Convene the E3 to Address the Iranian Nuclear Threat
Commentary
In its first 100 days, the Trump administration should convene the United Kingdom (UK), France, and Germany—the E3—to coordinate a strategy for dealing with Iran’s nuclear pro...
By Jonathan Lord
-
Canada, Trump, and the Post-Trudeau Era
Podcast
In just a few days, Donald Trump returns to office with Canada in his sights. At the same time, it has been less than two weeks since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau re...
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor & Elizabeth Anderson
-
Trump’s Threat to U.S. Intelligence
Commentary
The key for intelligence officials will be to avoid distraction and find a way to stay focused on the core missions....
By Peter Schroeder
