A Bit Of Advice From Old Europe
In scanning the international stories at Watching America, I noticed that one of the most popular subjects being covered was the resignation of Karl Rove. Just about every one of those articles exuded undisguised glee at his departure. It's nice to know that I'm in good company.
There were a few other noteworthy subjects being covered, however, and one of the articles I found particularly interesting because of the genial and the affectionate tone of the column. Written by Claude Monnier, the piece appeared in the August 14, 2007 edition of Switzerland's Tribune de Geneve and deals with the current unpopularity of the US in the world at large.
But times have changed, as a timely, scientific and massive Pew Foundation poll of 45,000 people around the world shows. People in 47 countries or territories were questioned last spring. ...In a nutshell, the people who have been questioned criticize America for doing whatever it feels like doing - since it has the power to do so - without checking to see what others think and feel. ...
Three things must be said on this subject. Firstly, at the end of the day, all great powers end up declining, crushed under their own weight no matter what their political system; I'm convinced that America has begun this decline, but since the process is so gradual, it could last another hundred years!
Second, great powers become progressively more dangerous in their declining phase than during more stable periods, as they tend to react like ferocious wounded tigers.
Thirdly, that America, since it has a real tradition of being at least to a certain degree a benevolent power - although it's actual virtues shouldn't be exaggerated! - even if it's in the difficult decline phase it should be capable being loved, appreciated and respected again for at least, let us say, another fifty years!
How? … In principle, the recipe is simple. There's a famous saying Anglophone saying, “If you can't lick'em, join'em.” I suggest adapting it a little for the United States: “America, if you can't lick the rest of the world, assume a benevolent leadership position!” Instead of sulking over the Kyoto protocols, take the lead and overdo them a little. What will that cost you? Nothing compared to the political and financial benefits it will reap. Instead of refusing to talk to Syria, Iran, North Korea and Venezuela, hold out your hand to them, entice them, be generous and understanding; the U.S. succeeded doing so with Pakistan, India and even with China.
In brief, don't spend all your time on the defensive, but draw the world behind you in a friendly, dynamic and desirable way. America has all of the intellectual, moral and material means to do so; and George W. Bush won't be around much longer. [Emphasis added]
Mr. Monnier has given us some splendid advice. As dark as these days are, there is no reason why we can't bring some light back into the picture. Even if the 110th Congress continues to ignore the impeachable offenses of this administration, the nightmare as presently constituted can only last another 17 months.
We need to start planting some seeds for the next administration and the next congress. For some ideas on how to do this, I recommend a visit to Pax Americana.
There were a few other noteworthy subjects being covered, however, and one of the articles I found particularly interesting because of the genial and the affectionate tone of the column. Written by Claude Monnier, the piece appeared in the August 14, 2007 edition of Switzerland's Tribune de Geneve and deals with the current unpopularity of the US in the world at large.
But times have changed, as a timely, scientific and massive Pew Foundation poll of 45,000 people around the world shows. People in 47 countries or territories were questioned last spring. ...In a nutshell, the people who have been questioned criticize America for doing whatever it feels like doing - since it has the power to do so - without checking to see what others think and feel. ...
Three things must be said on this subject. Firstly, at the end of the day, all great powers end up declining, crushed under their own weight no matter what their political system; I'm convinced that America has begun this decline, but since the process is so gradual, it could last another hundred years!
Second, great powers become progressively more dangerous in their declining phase than during more stable periods, as they tend to react like ferocious wounded tigers.
Thirdly, that America, since it has a real tradition of being at least to a certain degree a benevolent power - although it's actual virtues shouldn't be exaggerated! - even if it's in the difficult decline phase it should be capable being loved, appreciated and respected again for at least, let us say, another fifty years!
How? … In principle, the recipe is simple. There's a famous saying Anglophone saying, “If you can't lick'em, join'em.” I suggest adapting it a little for the United States: “America, if you can't lick the rest of the world, assume a benevolent leadership position!” Instead of sulking over the Kyoto protocols, take the lead and overdo them a little. What will that cost you? Nothing compared to the political and financial benefits it will reap. Instead of refusing to talk to Syria, Iran, North Korea and Venezuela, hold out your hand to them, entice them, be generous and understanding; the U.S. succeeded doing so with Pakistan, India and even with China.
In brief, don't spend all your time on the defensive, but draw the world behind you in a friendly, dynamic and desirable way. America has all of the intellectual, moral and material means to do so; and George W. Bush won't be around much longer. [Emphasis added]
Mr. Monnier has given us some splendid advice. As dark as these days are, there is no reason why we can't bring some light back into the picture. Even if the 110th Congress continues to ignore the impeachable offenses of this administration, the nightmare as presently constituted can only last another 17 months.
We need to start planting some seeds for the next administration and the next congress. For some ideas on how to do this, I recommend a visit to Pax Americana.
Labels: Foreign Policy
posted by Diane at 2:20 PM
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