From The Diplomat, an interview with Stephen M. Walt on American alliances in Asia, U.S. - China relations, Iran and more. More or less: Stephen M. Walt on the debate on U.S. grand strategy. P. J. O'Rourke on how zero-sum makes zero sense: “Dear Mr. President: Given that hypocrisy is an important part of diplomacy, and diplomacy is necessary to foreign policy, allow me to congratulate you on your reelection”. Yours, mine, but not ours: Corey Robin on why the politics of national security means that we’re all living in failed Hobbesian states. Known unknowns: Rosa Brooks on why even bad predictions are good for America. Steven Conn reviews State of War: The Political Economy of American Warfare, 1945-2011 by Paul A. C. Koistinen. How much does the United States spend each year occupying the planet with its bases and troops? The United States has attacked or “intervened” officially in 145 countries since 1890. Recipe for a post-hegemonic USA: Kenneth Weisbrode on how self-defeating antics of US Congress reflect declining status and global influence. Robert W. Merry on Spengler's ominous prophecy: A questions haunts America — is it in decline on the world scene?
