The Catalyst: A Journal of Ideas from the Bush Institute

Why U.S. Leadership Still Matters

U.S. leaders have argued for decades over the specifics of particular foreign policies. But throughout that period, most American policymakers agreed on a few basic, underlying principles, including the need for the United States to play an active international role. In the last decade, however, skepticism toward engagement has risen. This is an important moment to revisit many of the reasons why – and how – U.S. leadership still matters around the planet.

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On May 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT, a virtual Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint panel discussion will focus on the importance of U.S. leadership in Africa, Latin America, and Europe. The discussion will feature a live Q&A with Catalyst authors Jendayi Frazer, the Duignan Distinguished Visting Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution; Kay Bailey Hutchison, former U.S. senator from Texas and U.S. ambassador to NATO; and Antonio Garza, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and George W. Bush Presidential Center board member.

The Taylor Swift doctrine
Ken Hersh, President and CEO of the Bush Center

Watching America’s greatest pop star in action offers clues about how the United States can get its mojo back.

How to remain the innovation nation
J.H. Cullum Clark, Director of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative

America has long dominated science and technology. But misguided policies risk squandering that lead.

Strengthening the backbone
Scott Carpenter, Managing Director of Jigsaw

Democratic nations must double down on an open internet.

The fight to keep the world free
David J. Kramer, Executive Director of the Bush Institute

The struggle for human rights remains as important as ever – and the United States must show the way.

You can’t cut yourself off from the 21st century
A conversation with Toomas Hendrik Ilves, former president of Estonia

The former president discusses why Ukraine, Europe, and the world still need the United States – and what they would look like without it.

Engaging Africa on its own terms
Jendayi Frazer, the Duignan Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution

By working with Africans, Washington can fight Chinese influence, boost the global economy, and shore up the liberal order. But only if it makes the continent a priority.

The overlooked America
Antonio Garza, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and Bush Center board member

By neglecting its own hemisphere, the United States misses out on economic opportunities and an alignment of issues in Latin America.

Primacy takes partners
Kay Bailey Hutchison, former U.S. senator (R-TX) and U.S. ambassador to NATO

To remain preeminent, the United States must strengthen its alliances and work to build trust.

We must not abandon Afghanistan again
Natalie Gonnella-Platts, Director of Global Policy at the Bush Institute

Despite the withdrawal of U.S. troops, the West can still improve the lives of oppressed Afghans – if it commits and moves fast.

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About the George W. Bush Institute

The George W. Bush Institute is a solution-oriented nonpartisan policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Bush Institute is rooted in compassionate conservative values and committed to creating positive, meaningful, and lasting change at home and abroad. We utilize our unique platform and convening power to advance solutions to national and global issues of the day. Learn more at bushcenter.org.

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