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How To Lead the World
On the military side, Washington must begin devaluing nuclear weapons. The United States can't uninvent them, and will need some nuclear capability for the foreseeable future. But if we want Iran and North Korea to give them up and for China and Russia to limit their arsenals and prevent proliferation, we must take steps of our own: canceling new weapons programs?like the nuclear bunker buster, ratifying the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and mounting a massive global campaign to secure loose nukes and nuclear materials. Finally, don't hesitate to stand up for our values: democracy, the rule of law and human rights. But remember that the best way to get others to share them is by example, not coercion. Close Guant?namo. Join the International Criminal Court.
There's no silver bullet for restoring America's global standing—but nothing is more essential for its long-term future. Only a sustained commitment to these core principles will allow the United States to achieve this all-important goal.
Steinberg is dean of the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas. From 1996 to 2000 he served as deputy national-security adviser to President Bill Clinton.
© 2007
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Member Comments
Posted By: henriklitsne @ 12/28/2007 8:18:35 AM
Comment: The International Crime Court can only prosecute war criminals that the member states fail to prosecute themselves.
Posted By: Braes @ 12/20/2007 9:49:12 AM
Comment: Yes, the way to return the path to greatness is hitting the Undo Button on Mr. Bush-Cheney and the cabal. I wouldn't hand US Sovereignity over to the International Crminal Court. If someone needs a trial, we can do it here. That is the very issue at the heart of our rule of law. We shouldn't kick the ball down the field. Likewise, we shouldn't decide that military intervention is the first option, and have a functioning relationship with all nation-states. Bush has been an abysmal failure, but we still have more wealth that much of the rest of the world combined. We can do some good with that. That used to win hearts and minds.