Ethical Realism: A Vision for Americas Role in the World

“One does not need to agree with all recommendations included in Ethical Realism to fully share the authors’ appeal for honestly and pragmatically defining U.S. foreign policy priorities. The book makes a powerful case that the United States needs a foreign policy based on hard facts and what we can achieve with our available resources, in order not to retreat from a U.S. world role, but, on the contrary, ‘to live up to its glorious national promise.’”–General Brent Scowcroft, former national security adviser“A profoundly necessary alternative to the arrogance of preemptive warfare. In an age of ideological polarization, an international policy of ethical realism put forward by authors with roots in both progressive idealism and conservative realism has been desperately needed. Ethical Realism is characterized by prudence, humility, understanding, responsibility, and genuine patriotism, and is deeply rooted in the best of America’s history.”–Senator Gary Hart“A superb and courageous analysis of U.S. foreign policy challenges and options. The authors’ call for a ‘revolutionary shift in U.S. structures and priorities’ is on target for the United States to be able to exercise effective global leadership. The study demonstrates why messianic pretensions shared by some on the right and the left alike are neither realistic nor ethical and only endanger America without promoting true national interests.”–Dmitri K. Simes, president of The Nixon Center and publisher of The National Interest