A New American Foreign Policy Paradigm

A while back, I read Robert Wright's "Nonzero: The Logic of Human Destiny" and have since kept up with some of his writings.

This Times op-ed by Wright, tries to explore a new approach to foreign policy in a post-Bush era. Makes for an interesting read and raises a few questions to ponder.

Every paradigm needs a name, and the best name for this one isprogressive realism. The label has a nice ring (Who is against progress?) and it aptly suggests bipartisan appeal. This is a realismthat could attract many liberals and a progressivism that could attractsome conservatives....

Progressive realism begins with a cardinal doctrine of traditional realism: the purpose of American foreign policy is to serve American interests...
First, the word signifies a belief in, well, progress. Free markets are spreading across the world on the strength of their productivity, and economic liberty tends to foster political liberty.

Yes, the Chinese government could probably reverse the growth in popular expression of the past two decades, but only by severely restricting information technologies that are prerequisites for prosperity. Meanwhile, notwithstanding dogged efforts at repression, political pluralism in China is growing.

A Policy that Both Realists and Idealists Should Fall in Love With.