A New Grand Strategy for America Listen

Forums: Should the U.S. become more or less involved in world affairs in light of 9/11?

Click for a history of the isolationist vs. engagement debate in America, 1776-present

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During the Cold War, the United States' strategy was containment -- keeping the Soviet Union's influence from spreading into other parts of the world. The idea behind the strategy was that the U.S. was better off if it was the world's only superpower. Tonight's guest, author Christopher Layne, says that strategy has gotten too burdensome and risky for the U.S. It is time for America to return to a more isolationist policy and allow other nations to take care of themselves.

A week and a half ago, William Kristol asserted that America need to embrace its new role as imperial power (listen to program). This hour, the opposite view. Should the United States become more engaged in world affairs -- or is it time to return to our isolationist roots?

Guest:

Forums: If an election were to be held today, would you be more likely to vote Republican or Democratic?

Click to listen to Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's farewell speech

Prepare for the show: Read Andrew Sullivan's "What Conservatives Should Learn from 9/11"

What Conservatives Should Learn from 9/11 Listen

The early success of President Bush's strong military response to terrorism would appear to give conservatives a reason to puff up their chests and congratulate each other. Not so fast, says conservative writer Andrew Sullivan. The war presents some big dilemmas to those on the right. He asserts that wars almost always move polities leftward, partly because government takes on more powers and spends more money than they do in peacetime. At the same time, he says the early victories in the fight against terrorism present a good opportunity for the Republican party to evolve to ensure success in upcoming elections.

This hour, Andrew Sullivan examines the future of politics, on the right and the left -- and how the Republican Party should respond to the new environment in America created by the September 11th attacks.

Guest: