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CATEGORY: FOREIGN POLICY (23 MIN)
Much of America currently agrees that our adventures in the Middle East over the past two decades were, at best, a bit of a mistake. And based on this experience, many policy pundits today fear to advocate any path that might lead America into more conflict. But does a changing world require our constant military vigilance?
In Compact, Malcom Kyeyune discusses a man and a book which advocate for a realist perspective on America’s position on the modern world. The author, Elbridge Colby, is a former deputy assistant secretary of defense, and his work is The Strategy of Denial.
Colby argues that the U.S. must strategize to avert wars that can be averted and equip itself for wars that must be waged. He points to the hot spot of the China-Taiwan dispute, an area with massive implications for the world based on Taiwanese semiconductor production and China’s enormous influence. Colby believes America should prepare itself for a war in this theater so as to deter it as much as possible.
Kyeyune pushes back on these ideas, though—he says that because America is not a realist country, Colby’s strategy may not have his desired effect.
Read his argument and Colby’s proposals right here.
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Weekly Poll
RESULTS: 6/8/23
Last week, we asked: In your opinion, should conservative philanthropists fund cultural and artistic works to take back the dominant culture from progressives, or should they mostly focus on donating to political and economic activism? 85.9% of respondents think conservatives should donate to artistic and cultural works and 5.6% think they should focus on political and economic activism.
In your opinion, which US foreign policy is better: a pragmatic foreign policy strategy that focuses on concrete benefits for the US or an idealistic foreign policy strategy that includes the promotion of classical liberalism, free markets, and democracy abroad?
[A] A pragmatic foreign policy
[B] An idealistic foreign policy
[C] Unsure/Just tell me the results
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CATEGORY: POLITICS (9 MIN)
Despite his indictment in Florida, former President Donald Trump appears likely to become the early front-runner for the 2024 Republican nomination. Trump’s influence remains powerful in the party, and his rhetoric and connection with the common man seem still to hold great weight.
Pundits are already weighing in on Trump’s 2024 chances and his strength as a candidate. The New York Times ran an essay featuring opinions on Trump from writers across the political aisle, including Dan McCarthy, editor of Modern Age and ISI’s Vice President for the Collegiate Network, and Ross Douthat, NYT columnist and ISI alumnus/speaker.
Most of those surveyed consider Trump quite likely to win the nomination at this stage in the race. Even those who dislike him (a majority of the writers) believe his chances to take back the White House are still significant. They point to his high floor and fervent supporters as evidence of his potential success.
Discover these wide-ranging thoughts on Trump right here (use our gift link to view the article for free).
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ISI’s 70th Anniversary Gala &
Linda L. Bean Center Dedication
September 28th, 2023
This fall, join us at our 70th Anniversary Gala featuring Tucker Carlson, Kevin Roberts, the president of the Heritage Foundation, and Linda Bean, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Together these are some of the most influential figures in America today.
We will also host a pre-event panel featuring longtime friends of ISI including Annette Kirk (Russell Kirk Center), Gene Meyer (The Federalist Society), Ed Feulner (The Heritage Foundation), and Dan McCarthy (ISI), discussing the 70th anniversary of three conservative classics: Russell Kirk’s The Conservative Mind, Leo Strauss’ Natural Right and History, and Robert Nisbet’s The Quest for Community.
We will have a lobster dinner in honor of Tucker and Linda’s mutual connection to the state of Maine and seating will be limited to 150 guests. Our VIP ticket holders will have the chance to meet ISI trustees and event speakers in a private reception beforehand.
Reserve your tickets here!
Join us in Wilmington, DE >>>
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Because our student editors and writers are bravely bringing conservative ideas to their campuses, we’re highlighting their efforts here.
Free expression resolution fails to pass president’s inspection via The Cornell Review
“The resolution also drew significant criticism for appearing to endorse shouting down controversial speakers, a form of protest – known as the ‘heckler’s veto’ – that is prohibited by Cornell’s policies. ”
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CATEGORY: FOREIGN POLICY (37 MIN)
The debate over our relationship with China reveals a larger potential issue with American conservatives’ take on foreign policy: do they have one? Have we spent so much time debating how to take care of our internal matters that we have forgotten to develop a strategy for international relations?
For this week’s Intercollegiate Review archive (going all the way back to the 1970s), James Dornan analyzes a number of American thinkers’ perspectives on foreign policy, ultimately coming to the conclusion that conservatives must be much more careful and thoughtful about the topic.
Dornan begins with looking at two Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton and Charles Pinckney, who debated foreign policy during the Constitutional Convention. Pinckney believed American foreign policy should avoid any foreign adventures, while Hamilton replied that a realistic view of the world required at least some intervention.
Dornan then journeys through the theories of Woodrow Wilson, George Kennan, William Fulbright, and others, ultimately concluding that a true conservative perspective had never emerged.
“What the nation needs, in short, is precisely the sort of political wisdom and awareness, grounded in the tradition of the West, which only conservatism can supply,” Dornan writes.
Read his thorough analysis right here.
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Thought of the Day:
“There are seasons in every country when noise and impudence pass current for worth; and in popular commotions especially, the clamors of interested and factious men are often mistaken for patriotism.”
- Alexander Hamilton
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Who We Are, What We Do
Too many college students feel isolated or attacked for questioning the ever-narrowing range of debate on campus.
We introduce you to the American tradition of liberty and to a vibrant community of students and scholars so that you get the collegiate experience you hunger for.
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