Trust and distrust are fundamental ingredients of representative democracy.
Lee Hamilton Column
Hamilton on Foreign Policy #149: Nuclear Weapons Remain an Existential Threat
Seventy-five years ago, the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, bringing an end to World War II and sounding a warning about the devastating power of nuclear weapons.
Hamilton on Foreign Policy #148: Five Defining Features of American Foreign Policy
American foreign policy goes back to the late 1700s, when Benjamin Franklin lobbied France to support the colonies in their fight for independence from the British.
Hamilton on Foreign Policy #147: The US Pulls Back From Global Leadership
The United States has pulled back from global leadership since 2017, when President Donald Trump took office with a slogan of “America First”.
Hamilton on Foreign Policy #146: Rising China is here to Stay
This is an election year, so we can expect a fresh round of China-bashing. American politicians love to use China as a punching bag; it never stops, really, but the trend accelerates when candidates are running for office.
Hamilton on Foreign Policy #145: The US has No Choice but to lead
The United States is the most powerful country in the world. By any measure, we are preeminent. We have challenges and vulnerabilities, and we are not as dominant as we once were, but no one else comes close to America’s military, economic and political might.
Hamilton on Foreign Policy #144: US leadership is being challenged
We are living in a time when the limits of American power are being severely tested. Our adversaries are watching closely. They see us withdrawing from our longstanding leadership role. Eager to fill the vacuum, they are looking for ways to gain leverage, to challenge our strengths and exploit our weaknesses.
Hamilton on Foreign Policy #143: Talented and Dedicated Citizens are Reason for Hope
Discouraging news surrounds us. It’s hard to hide from. It’s in the newspapers, on television and radio, and on the internet. Our nation is divided, and our politics are polarized. We are torn apart by disagreements over immigration and by racial divisions. A pandemic has killed over 100,000 Americans and hobbled the economy. Health care… Read more »
Hamilton on Foreign Policy #142: The U.S. is Disengaging from World Leadership
For decades after WWII, the U.S. stood across the world as a mighty colossus. We were the richest and strongest nation, and our history and institutions were the envy of all.
Hamilton on Foreign Policy #141: The Attributes of a Good Politician
Not long ago I was asked by several students for my thoughts on the outstanding characteristics of good politicians. What follows is my response: