America in the World: The Foreign Policy Crisis

Abstract: This article explores the tension in American foreign policy between national sovereignty and universal values. This duality, rooted in the Declaration of Independence, counterposes security to moral principles. The contemporary competition between neo-isolationism and globalism has the character of a crisis. Berman examines historical precedents, such as U.S. contributions to global rights, alongside modern policy challenges facing external adversaries, weakened alliances, and domestic malaise. A middle path is needed that strengthens alliances, reforms international institutions, and revitalizes domestic economic capacity and cultural confidence in order for the U.S. continue to be a force for good in the world.