Show Notes
Republicans have argued for decades that U.S. military power is essential to keeping the world safe. But as the war with Iran continues to raise questions about overseas intervention, divisions are growing within the party over when the country should use its military strength and when it should hold back.
Welcome to Counterpoint, where we look at one big question facing world leaders from opposing points of view.
In this episode, we’re asking: Should the future of Republican foreign policy be more restrained?
Arguing in favor is Justin Logan, the director of defense and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute, who advocates a more restrained approach to U.S. foreign policy.
Arguing against is James Jeffrey, a former deputy national security advisor under President George W. Bush and former U.S. ambassador who is currently a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
Counterpoint is a production of Foreign Policy, in partnership with the Doha Forum. The show is hosted by FP deputy editor Nick Danforth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More from Counterpoint
Since returning to office, U.S. President Donald Trump has promised to put America first and reshape the world through his deal-making instincts. From the war in Iran to tensions with traditional allies, his approach has challenged long-standing assumptions about the United States’ role in the world.
Artificial intelligence continues to advance at a remarkable pace, raising big questions about the future of humanity. Leading figures warn that increasingly powerful AI systems could one day escape our control, but peers argue that line of thinking is just speculative fearmongering.
It’s been six years since the Abraham Accords were signed, and like so much in the Middle East, their impact and future are very much an open question. The agreements were originally aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab states. But analysts debate whether they have strengthened regional cooperation and security or contributed to greater instability in the Middle East.
Last week at the United Nations, U.S. President Donald Trump made clear that another round of war with Iran was on the table. But after more than 200 days of conflict, what else can the United States do to force the Iranian leadership to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and abandon nuclear enrichment?
This week, Chinese President Xi Jinping is in Washington to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trade, technology, and Taiwan are all expected to be on the agenda. It’s the two leaders’ second meeting in less than six months, as they try to stabilize the future of U.S.-China relations. Many fear tensions are brewing, but with their tariff war in the past, could it be possible for the world's two biggest economies to work together?