Robert Kagen, the author of "Of Paradise and Power," is on booknotes at the moment. It reruns at 6AM Eastern Time Monday. Almost a "Must Watch," IMO. The book is an 103 page expansion of an article in "Policy Review" from last June, titled, "Power and Weakness." We discussed it at the time it came out, and it is posted in the Header. I will add the URL here. Kagan is very articulate, reminds me of a conservative version of Tek, although I would not call him a "Neocon." The article is the best thing I have read on this subject, bar none.
The book came about because the article, in a obscure magazine, was considered so brilliant by the "Establishment" that it got "Interneted" (new verb!) to all the major FP players in America and Europe. Knopf came to him to expand it into book form.
Here are some comments from the show, that are not in his article, that I thought significant.
Kagan was unhappy with Bush's approach to FP before 911, basically agrees with it since Bush went to the UN last September. Kyoto was a really big deal with Europe, and, although he agreed with Bush's decision, the way Bush rejected it hurt as much as the rejection. After 911, NATO invoked article five and was willing to help us in Afghanistan. He feels we should have held their hand more.
The biggest division between Europe and America is Israel. The polls reflect it. Truman's recognition of Israel "made" the state, we have always supported it, and 911 made us feel we face a common enemy. Europe has never felt this way. They have large Muslim populations, and a "Nuanced" view of the ME.
Kagan said he was told by an Important Spanish FP guy, during a conference in Spain last year, that "If we wanted to go after a Fascist State that has WMDs, we should invade Israel." Kagan said he would never hear that in America, but that it was a common view in Europe.
He says that Europe sees the fight between Saddam, the Terrorists, and us, (In my words) the way a Saloon Keeper views a fight between a Sheriff and Cowboys. He is living in the same town, He is going to watch the fight with interest while wiping his shot glasses, and maybe duck behind the bar, but really does not want to get involved. Europe does not feel that Saddam or Al Queda will come after them.
He says that Germany's problem is a terrible economy brought about by the merger with East Germany and the labor and social system problems. If you fire someone there it will cost you a minimum of 3 years wages when you do, and that is why they have 11% unemployment and all the other economic problems. The Politicians know what is wrong, but will not or cannot fix them. They are just riding the Anti-American pulse to keep in office.
He thinks France is in good shape compared to Germany, "Vibrant Economy." Chirac is a "Gaulist" and will oppose us on principle. Just the French thing to do. They have no power to control us except by manipulating our FP with persuasion.
Here is the post from our thread. It is also in the Header.
Message 18408686
Or read it at: policyreview.org |
