The Fifth Column Members Only #285 - The Case For American Power (w/ Shadi Hamid)
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Nov 11, 2025 
In this discussion, Shadi Hamid, a Senior Fellow at Georgetown and a columnist for The Washington Post, makes a compelling case for American power in his recent book. He describes it as a love letter to America, urging progressives to embrace its ideals while navigating its flaws. Shadi argues for seeking power to enact change, rather than maintaining moral purity. He emphasizes the importance of reclaiming national pride and discusses the significance of hyphenated identities in fostering unity.
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Affirming America Despite Its Flaws
- Shadi Hamid frames his book as a love letter to America despite its faults.
- He urges skeptics to reclaim belief in America and the constructive role of power.
Left Should Embrace Power To Effect Change
- Hamid argues left-leaning people shouldn't fear power and should seek it to effect change.
- He contends moral purity can prevent participation in systems that actually shape outcomes.
Policymakers Often Mean Well
- Interviewing policymakers showed Hamid they often act from convictions, not malevolence.
- He concludes American power isn't inherently evil and can be used for good.
