All Debates

Should the US scale back foreign assistance?

Kristina Obecny — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:26:47 -0500

The U.S. is experiencing the worst financial and economic crisis in over a half century. As unemployment continues to rise domestically, some Americans are calling for a significant reduction in foreign aid that each year sends billions of U.S. dollars overseas. But while cutting foreign aid might seem to be a sensible budgetary move, what, if any, broader impact would such measures have on U.S. development efforts? YOU DECIDE whether the U.S. government should scale back foreign aid in light of the projected financial and economic hardship.

Are international treaties the best means for combating global climate change?

Kristina Obecny — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:11:54 -0400

The issue of climate change has gathered remarkable momentum in recent years. Given that the climate change phenomenon is not confined by national borders, many argue that it will require a concerted global effort, led by the United States, to mitigate its impact. Others claim that individual countries, with particular assistance from the private sector therein, should tailor sovereign approaches based on their specific capacity and concerns. YOU DECIDE if international treaties are the best avenue for the United States to combat global climate change.

Should the United States eliminate its nuclear weapons stockpile?

Kristina Obecny — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:38:39 -0400

Some argue that the very existence of nuclear weapons leaves the world vulnerable to nuclear terrorism and that failure to pursue disarmament risks efforts aimed at nonproliferation. Others question the feasibility of disarmament. They argue that nuclear weapons provide a stabilizing role in international security by deterring aggression and that it would be strategically irresponsible to press for abolition given nuclear states such as North Korea and potentially Iran. YOU DECIDE if the United States should eliminate its nuclear weapons stockpile.

Is Gas Too Cheap?

Brett Baptist — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:19:22 -0400

A recent surge in global demand for oil is reflected in the record rise in prices at the gas pump. This has hurt American consumers and prompted several proposals aimed at lowering prices or offsetting the burden felt by consumers. However, many recognize that rising gas prices also lead to decreased emissions and have spurred demand for innovation and alternative energy sources. YOU DECIDE if the price of gas is too cheap to promote technological innovation and decrease long-term oil dependence.

Does America's image abroad matter?

Brett Baptist — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:22:54 -0400

Polls show that much of the world today is not satisfied with American leadership. U.S. foreign policy decisions directly impact the lives of non-Americans, but should foreign opinions matter to U.S. decision-making? Can the U.S. achieve its goals without international support? YOU DECIDE whether America's image abroad matters.

Should the United States accept Russia reasserting its traditional sphere of influence in the post-Soviet states?

Daniel J. Porter — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:14:18 -0400

Russia’s military action in Georgia has dispelled any doubts about its resurgence as a regional power. It controls vast energy resources, and has reasserted itself on the world stage. YOU DECIDE whether the United States should continue to engage Russia as if it has put its Soviet past behind it, or else take a more adversarial approach and risk diminished cooperation on non-proliferation and other vital issues to American security.

How should the United States respond to China’s rise as a regional and global power?

Brett Baptist — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:44:57 -0400

The majesty of the Beijing Olympics is the latest demonstration of China’s rise on the world stage. How China rises will largely determine whether Asia’s future will be characterized by economic growth and cooperation or rivalry and confrontation.

YOU DECIDE the best way for the United States to encourage China to become an open and responsible world power.

Should the primary focus of U.S. foreign assistance be to serve U.S. national security interests?

Brett Baptist — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:48:35 -0400

Since 9/11, foreign assistance has increasingly become part of a broader strategy to mitigate extremism. This counterterrorism focus has prompted concerns within the aid community that security objectives could eclipse long-term development objectives. YOU DECIDE whether the primary focus of U.S. foreign assistance should be to serve national security interests.

How Should the United States best compete in the global market place?

Brett Baptist — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:58:09 -0400

A more integrated global economy has led to unprecedented growth. More people around the world today benefit from international trade than at any time in the past. Despite these gains, a growing number of people at home and abroad are apprehensive about trade because the costs of globalization are not evenly distributed. Anxieties over job loss, labor and environmental standards, product safety, and national security tend to provoke protectionist impulses. YOU DECIDE how the United States can overcome today’s political divisions to compete globally in the years ahead.

How Should the United States Define Success in Iraq?

Christopher Haight — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:48:43 -0400

Much of the current Iraq debate has focused on short-term military strategy or the original rationale for the war. There has been little discussion, though, of the long-term implications of America's presence in Iraq on future U.S. decision making. The Vietnam War, for instance, became the prism through which our parents' generation debated future U.S. action abroad. Will Iraq influence our generation in the same way? YOU DECIDE how the United States should define success in Iraq and debate the long-term implications on U.S. foreign policy.