Shadi Hamid, a foreign policy expert and author of "The Problem of Democracy," contends that America's influence often acts as a force for good, pressuring authoritarian regimes and supporting democracies. In contrast, Samuel Moyn, an academic and author of "Humane," argues that while there are worse global alternatives, America's interventions have caused significant harm. The debate dives into America's complex roles in democracy, climate challenges, and its resilience against authoritarianism, offering a nuanced view of U.S. actions on the world stage.
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Formative Experience
Shadi Hamid's perspective on US foreign policy was shaped by 9/11 and the subsequent wars.
He initially viewed America's role negatively, influenced by leftist critiques.
insights INSIGHT
Relative Good
Shadi Hamid argues that the US is a force for good relative to other global powers.
He believes that a post-American world would likely see China fill the power vacuum.
insights INSIGHT
Power Vacuum
The absence of US hegemony could lead to increased Chinese influence, economically and militarily.
The current global political climate, including China's aggression and the war in Ukraine, illustrates this risk.
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In *Humane: How the United States Abandoned Peace and Reinvented War*, Samuel Moyn explores the evolution of warfare and international law, arguing that efforts to make war more humane have paradoxically contributed to its normalization and perpetuation. The book delves into the historical roots of this transformation, from the late 19th century to the present day, highlighting the role of humanitarian law in sustaining ongoing conflicts.
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Many in the world see the influence of the United States as a force for good. It applies pressure on authoritarian regimes such as Iran to abide by human rights, and it supports nations such as Ukraine defending themselves against imperial aggression. But others argue that the Afghanistan and Iraq interventions show that American exceptionalism and the attempt to play the world’s policeman have wreaked irrevocable havoc which the rest of the world is still paying a price for today.
This week ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections in the US on The Sunday Debate, we’re asking - is America a force for good in the world? To debate the issue we’re joined by foreign policy expert Shadi Hamid and academic Samuel Moyn. Our host for this debate is journalist and academic, Philippa Thomas.
This episode is part one of two, join us on Wednesday’s episode to hear part two of the debate.
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