Robert Wright's Nonzero Is American Might Right? (Robert Wright & Shadi Hamid)
Nov 11, 2025
Shadi Hamid, a columnist for The Washington Post and author of "The Case for American Power," dives into American global leadership. He discusses how the Iraq War reshaped his views on intervention, advocating for the U.S. role in promoting democracy despite recent setbacks, like the Gaza situation. The debate on whether U.S. actions fostered a global democratic wave is compelling. Shadi also examines the moral stakes of military intervention and the implications of a dominant China versus American democracy.
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From Anti-Empire Activist To Power Seeker
- Robert Wright describes his college-era anti-American stance and activism against the Iraq War.
- He shifted toward seeking power after seeing protests fail and wanting allies inside institutions to change policy.
Power Can Promote Democratic Change
- Wright argues the 'freedom agenda' showed American power can promote democracy.
- He credits Bush's rhetoric and pressure on dictators as a corrective to hypocrisy in US policy.
Gaza As An Abdication, Not A Structural Fate
- Wright acknowledges Gaza deeply challenges his case for American power.
- He frames US failure to pressure Israel as an abdication of power, not an inherent flaw of American power itself.
