Ethical Realism
After the alarm went off this morning at 5:15, the first thing I was aware of was an interview taking place on NPR's Morning Edition with the authors of this book. Sure, I was half asleep, but something seemed right about what they were saying, so I'm adding this to my Christmas-break reading schedule. Maybe it will distract me from the fact that my little boy's reading list will include a driver's ed manual!
Here's the NPR link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6557588
There is nothing more foolish than to think that war can be stopped by war. You don't prevent anything but peace. -- Harry S. Truman
From Publishers Weekly -- Lieven and Hulsman, partisan think-tank researchers from opposing ends of the political spectrum, unite to provide an alternative to current U.S. foreign policy, based on "the core teachings of ethical realism-prudence, patriotism, responsibility, study, humility, and 'a decent respect' to views and interests of other nations." This "new strategic vision" presents a foundation for "a consensual and stable international order" along the lines of old-fashioned American neighborliness. Their arguments are rooted in lessons from the founders of ethical realism, Reinhold Niebuhr, Hans Morgenthau and George Kennan; the Christian intellectual tradition of Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine; and successful international policy implemented by leaders like Harry S. Truman and Dwight Eisenhower. The authors emphasize the need to qualify national interests against universal ethics, and for statesman who "act in ways that will serve the good as far as possible, and to observe certain strict limits as to what they are prepared to do on behalf of their states. "Though they make some sweeping statements that beg critical examination, and their heavy-handed criticism of the Bush Administration's foreign policy-calling the war in Iraq a failure "not just of strategy ...but of the whole American way of looking at the world"-can be alienating, this refreshing, ambitious work proposes some practical and much-needed solutions for America's compromised reputation abroad. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
245.6
Here's the NPR link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6557588
There is nothing more foolish than to think that war can be stopped by war. You don't prevent anything but peace. -- Harry S. Truman
From Publishers Weekly -- Lieven and Hulsman, partisan think-tank researchers from opposing ends of the political spectrum, unite to provide an alternative to current U.S. foreign policy, based on "the core teachings of ethical realism-prudence, patriotism, responsibility, study, humility, and 'a decent respect' to views and interests of other nations." This "new strategic vision" presents a foundation for "a consensual and stable international order" along the lines of old-fashioned American neighborliness. Their arguments are rooted in lessons from the founders of ethical realism, Reinhold Niebuhr, Hans Morgenthau and George Kennan; the Christian intellectual tradition of Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine; and successful international policy implemented by leaders like Harry S. Truman and Dwight Eisenhower. The authors emphasize the need to qualify national interests against universal ethics, and for statesman who "act in ways that will serve the good as far as possible, and to observe certain strict limits as to what they are prepared to do on behalf of their states. "Though they make some sweeping statements that beg critical examination, and their heavy-handed criticism of the Bush Administration's foreign policy-calling the war in Iraq a failure "not just of strategy ...but of the whole American way of looking at the world"-can be alienating, this refreshing, ambitious work proposes some practical and much-needed solutions for America's compromised reputation abroad. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
245.6
posted by mac | 2:42 AM
3 Comments:
being a heavy handed bully in the world is more troublesome.... actually, it is an embaressment to a christian way of thinking.... I might have to read this book too!!!
yes, would it not be wonderfull if all those nations out there got along with each other? However, we probably will not experience that til we are in heaven (if I'm good enough to go there.) But would it not be nice to feel it while on earth? I do know that a little bit of heaven is in Church, but mine is so far away. I sure do not know the answer, but I just pray that we all get along with each other.
Hey, you will be there.....no question...
Post a Comment
<< Home