Foreign Policy Paper Series
Through the Foreign Policy Paper series, Brookings senior fellows and other experts weigh in on a broad range of critical issues facing the United States and international community. Series topics range from the crisis of displaced persons and refugees in Iraq and the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy on gays in the U.S. armed forces. These papers seek to present up-to-date data, explore challenging foreign policy issues, and offer up practical policy recommendations.
In this Series
2008
October 2008
The contest between Senators John McCain and Barack Obama for the presidency of the United States is being followed intently around the world. Michael Fullilove examines the foreign policy differences between the two candidates and explores how international perceptions of the U.S. may shift following the election.
October 2008
Ted Piccone outlines several versions of the League of Democracies concept that has reemerged during the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign. Though it finds support in both conservative and liberal circles, Piccone argues that the current framework will not succeed in today’s political environment. However, Piccone believes democracy promotion should remain a top priority for the next administration, and he offers recommendations for strengthening multilateral approaches.
October 2008
Terrorism is a real and urgent threat to the U.S. and its interests; a threat that could become far more dangerous if terrorists acquire nuclear or biological weapons. Daniel Benjamin explores the drawbacks of using military force in combating terrorism and elaborates on the need for a positive agenda for the Muslim world -- one that deepens U.S. engagement in Muslim nations as they seek to modernize.
August 2008
Peter Singer analyzes the history of the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy which allows gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans to serve in the U.S. military as long as they stay quiet about their sexuality. Singer argues a world shaped by reality television has created a new generation of troops more open to allowing homosexuals in the military, and that during this difficult time for recruiting and retaining talent, the military should embrace those willing to serve.
August 2008
Lost in discussions of the military surge, the pace of troop drawdowns, and political benchmarks are millions of displaced Iraqis. Their plight is both a humanitarian tragedy and a strategic crisis that is not being addressed.
2007
September 2007
Peter W. Singer says that the use of private military contractors appears to have harmed, rather than helped, the counterinsurgency efforts of the U.S. mission in Iraq.
September 2007
Carlos Pascual argues that a serious and calibrated United Nations role in Iraq is both justified and necessary, even if success cannot be guaranteed. "Iraq is not just an American problem - and there are no viable American unilateral solutions."
September 2007
Carlos Pascual and Kenneth Pollack write that progress in Iraq can come through the time consuming task of building the institutions of a failed state, creating a secure environment, and helping to end the civil war through negotiated settlement.
August 2007
Vanda Felbab-Brown discusses the feasibility and desirability of opium licensing in Afghanistan, stating "the licensing of opium for medical purposes in Afghanistan, would reduce some of the negative effects of unmitigated illicit drug production."