Firing Line Season 16 Episode 26 Do We Need a Foreign Policy Doctrine?
- July 15, 1981
In season 16 episode 26 of Firing Line, titled "Do We Need a Foreign Policy Doctrine?" host Margaret Hoover moderates a discussion on the need for a foreign policy doctrine for the United States. The guests include Eliot Cohen, a professor of strategic studies at Johns Hopkins University, and Kori Schake, a fellow at the Hoover Institution and director of foreign and defense policy studies.
The conversation revolves around the question of whether the current US foreign policy approach is effective or if a new doctrine is needed. The guests discuss the use of military force, diplomacy, and economic levers in foreign policy. They also delve into the role of alliances and the importance of working with like-minded nations.
Cohen argues that the current US foreign policy lacks a central guiding principle and that a new doctrine is needed to address current and future challenges, including the rise of China and the ongoing threat of terrorism. Schake counters that the US has traditionally been a leader in world affairs and that its current approach is based on a set of core values and principles.
Throughout the discussion, Hoover pushes the guests to clarify their positions and provides a level-headed perspective on the issues at hand. With their expertise in national security and foreign policy, Cohen and Schake offer insights and proposals for how the US can best navigate a complex and ever-changing global landscape.
Overall, "Do We Need a Foreign Policy Doctrine?" presents a thought-provoking conversation on the role of US foreign policy in the world today and the challenges it faces moving forward. With their diverse perspectives and insights, the guests provide a nuanced understanding of a complex issue, while Hoover skillfully guides the conversation to ensure a productive and informative exchange.