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Can America Still Lead? Foreign Policy in an Age of Division with Joel Rubin

Nov 21, 2025
Joel Rubin, a veteran diplomat and foreign policy strategist, dives into the current state of U.S. foreign policy amidst political divisions. He discusses the absence of a unifying vision and the instability caused by partisanship, warning against recent military actions in Venezuela. Rubin critiques both past regime-change strategies and the U.S.'s incoherent approach to China. He also highlights the challenges Democrats face in balancing base expectations with broader appeal, emphasizing the need for clear communication and bipartisan cooperation to navigate complex global issues.
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INSIGHT

No Unifying Foreign-Policy Theory

  • The US lacks a unifying foreign-policy theory since the Cold War, producing partisan flip-flopping and inconsistency.
  • Joel Rubin warns this weakens America amid real competitions with China, Russia, and Iran.
ADVICE

Win Broad Support, Not Just The Base

  • Do craft foreign-policy messages that appeal beyond the party base to win elections and sustain policy.
  • Rubin says Democrats must offer an
INSIGHT

Venezuela Moves Resemble Gunboat Diplomacy

  • Rubin views current US activity near Venezuela as edging toward neo‑imperial regime change rather than lawful counter‑narcotics.
  • He cautions this risks repeating historical abuses and alienating Latin America.
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