The Foreign Affairs Interview

What Republican Foreign Policy Gets Wrong

Aug 15, 2024
Kori Schake, a senior fellow and director of foreign and defense policy at the American Enterprise Institute, critiques the implications of a potential second Trump presidency on U.S. foreign policy. She delves into the concept of 'conservative internationalism' and explores the historical missteps in American military interventions. Discussions include challenges posed by nations like China and Russia, inconsistencies in defense spending, and the precarious state of alliances. Schake advocates for a reformed approach that balances American strength with global responsibilities.
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INSIGHT

Mistakes and Free Trade

  • The US made foreign policy mistakes at its most powerful, but these are inherent to the complexity of the field.
  • Blaming free trade entirely is wrong; the issue was China's rule-breaking participation.
ANECDOTE

Iraq War's Legacy

  • The Iraq War was a tragic mistake, driven by fear after 9/11.
  • This mistake casts a shadow, making preventative action like against North Korea's nuclear program difficult.
INSIGHT

Ukraine as a Canary in the Coal Mine

  • Republicans supported aid for Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel by highlighting its benefits to American companies.
  • Ukraine's war exposes US military underfunding and emboldened adversaries, similar to pre-WWII Britain.
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