Foreign Policy 
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Less Spending, More Security
Responsibly cutting military spending requires more than simply pursuing efficiencies or making unilateral cuts, so says Benjamin Friedman, research fellow at the Cato Institute, in a recent piece in the New York Times online. Rather, we should pursue a shift in defense strategy. Friedman explains, "If we let rich allies defend themselves and admitted that we lack the ability to fix disorderly states, we could have a smaller, more elite, less strained, and far less expensive military," without sacrificing security.
Osama bin Laden is Dead
This is perhaps the best news Americans have recently heard. Commenting on the issue, Cato Director of Foreign Policy Studies Christopher Preble notes that, on the broader scale, this event allows closure for thousands of Americans. And on the smaller scale, "The details should remind us that some of the most effective counterterrorism techniques do not rely on tens of thousands of troops stationed indefinitely in distant lands." While bin Laden's death will not end terrorism or costly outlays for U.S. military, Preble calls for hope that it might allow U.S. counterterrorism strategy to evolve, better balancing "American security with the need to preserve our essential rights and liberties."
Students Who Get It
John Stossel recently filmed an episode of his television show at the International Students For Liberty Conference, held in Washington, D.C., along with Cato Institute vice president David Boaz. In an article on the experience, Stossel remarks that the students really "get it." What do they get? He explains that, "(There) were hundreds of students who actually understand that government creates many of the problems, and freedom—personal and economic liberty—makes things better." In the midst of economic crisis, foreign war, and political riots, find out why Stossel claims that "After spending time with those students, I feel better about the future of America."
The Militarization of Compassion
Economics professor Pete Boettke looks at the recent disasters around the world, and reflects that, "The militarization of compassion may help those far away to feel they are doing their best to address the crisis, but once we get beyond the initial search-and-rescue phase and on to the second, rebuilding phase, the result is usually planned chaos." Boettke then argues for a decentralized approach, relying on citizens on the ground in the impacted communities. As referenced by John Stuart Mill, it is remarkable what the free mobility of capital and labor can do. With the best local knowledge and the practical understanding that they must live with whatever they create, people will choose what is best for themselves and the community, free from the idealistic, disconnected approach from a large-scale government or military operation. From several studies of previous disasters, Boettke finds that civil society and commerce do much more for recovery than planned compassion.
Leave Libya Alone
Cato foreign policy scholar Malou Innocent writes that U.S. needs to season its approach to the events in Libya, and other countries in that region, with restraint. She reasons that, "it (is) difficult to predict or anticipate under what conditions harmful outcomes would emerge." For one thing, anti-American radicalism, which fuels terrorism, could potentially rise with increased intervention, perhaps resulting in even more casualties at home and abroad for American citizens. She adds that, “To reduce anti-American radicalism we must: acknowledge that it exists; understand what fuels it; and, understand how our actions are perceived in a foreign context." While the instinct to take action presents a strong urge, the best policy may be to “stand on the side of the tens of millions around the world longing for political freedom and economic liberty,” and look for other ways to intervene than strictly using military might. i.e. Fight smarter, not stronger.
Cato Scholars Evaluate State of the Union Address
A group of Cato scholars -- ranging in discipline from education to foreign policy to economics to health care and more -- analyze President Obama's State of the Union speech. They evaluate the strength of his policy positions, including what he did well and what he could do to improve.
The Cuba Embargo at 50
On the fiftieth anniversary of the U.S. embargo on Cuba, Cato scholar Ian Vasquez deems the embargo ineffective and calls for it to be lifted. Doing so, Vasquez claims, will prevent the country's dictators from blaming the U.S. for their economic failings and it will expose average Cubans to the contagious culture of freedom that is America's hallmark, "unleash(ing) a social dynamic that will be difficult to control."
Cato scholars Dan Griswold (The US Embargo of Cuba Is a Failure) and Yoani Sánchez (Freedom and Exchange in Communist Cuba) have also released recent papers on ending the Cuba embargo, which would "be good for democracy and the economy."
Clowns or Killers in al Qaeda?
Cato scholar Gene Healy discusses the social and political trend to spread fear about terrorists when, in fact, they are often more like clowns than real threats. He gives several examples of bumbled plots involving inflammable fertilizer, ninja rats, and suicide bomber group hugs. No matter how stupid, however, Healy notes that some plots actually work and need to be vigilantly guarded against, but urges that caution be taken when elevating extremists with labels of being masterminds or geniuses. Healy says that, “We've given al Qaeda power over us they don't deserve. When we recognize that they're often inept and clownish, we weaken their ability to sow terror.”
Is Foreign Aid Un-Just?
Billions of dollars of aid have flowed heavily to African nations for decades; nonetheless, most aid-receiving nations have remained poor and needy, and many celebrities have taken up the cause for “justice” to be done. Cato’s Marian Tupy, scholar of the Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, comments that the persistence of poverty in Africa is, in fact, due to foreign aid and not in spite of it. Contrary to many Asian and eastern Uropean countries that have liberalized their economies, African nations, propped up by aid, have turned socialist and remained poor. In fact, aid has supported up to 40% of Africa’s militaries, which have held their own countrymen from demanding democratic and economic reforms. “The truth is that only Africans can improve their lot,” notes Tupy, adding that “The "just" thing to do is… not to give Africa more harmful aid.”
Online Student Event - Friday, 3/26
Today - Friday, March 26th, at 4pm (EST) - Cato Student Programs will be hosting the DC Forum for Freedom at the Cato Institute and online. The event will feature Christopher Preble and Juan Carlos Hidalgo, who both find significant reasons to challenge the politicized "wars" on drugs and terror. The scholars will address the theme: 'Why an effective state a limited state.'
Please tune in online to watch it live and participate in the online discussion board.
Leaving Afghanistan Moves Beyond Left vs. Right
Malou Innocent, Cato foreign policy analyst, discusses the bipartisan movement to get the United States' spending under control, starting with our overseas commitments, and in Afghanistan specifically. "Concern has begun to escalate among lawmakers of both parties that this prolonged military adventure is weakening the country militarily and economically," Innocent says. Political and ideological motivations are definitely at play, as those on the left want the money currently being spent on Afghanistan to be used for spending projects at home and those on the right want the money left unspent and in the hands of tax payers, but one thing is clear: both sides of the aisle are getting serious about the need to reign in foreign engagements.
Unfree to Believe
Cato scholar Doug Bandow discusses an issue of human rights that is often neglected, but nonetheless vital in preserving freedom: religious liberty. Bandow provides case studies of eleven countries that heavily suppress religious freedom. While noting that promoting religious freedom cannot be a central nor defining aspect of U.S. foreign policy, Bandow states that, "religious liberty is the proverbial canary in the mine for human rights. Governments which will not protect freedom of conscience in this most basic way are unlikely to respect political or civil liberties."
Obama's Nation Building Efforts
Cato Defense and Foreign Policy scholars Christopher Preble and Ted Galen Carpenter weigh in with brief statements on President Obama's decision to increase the troop base in Afghanistan. Regarding the exit strategy, Carpenter notes, "Since Obama has repeatedly asserted that the war in Afghanistan is a war of necessity, not a war of choice, his talk of off ramps is largely a bluff--and the Afghans probably know it." And addressing the President's commitment to ramp up troop levels, Preble asserts, "This likely won't be the last prime-time address in which President Obama proposes sending many more troops to Afghanistan."
America's Alliances Are Costly Relics
Cato defense scholar Justin Logan writes about the out-dated nature of U.S. alliances. While once serving to unite world powers in a common pursuit, the continued alliances now serve simply to funnel American tax dollars abroad. Nations across Europe and Asia claim a need for U.S. security forces, while those countries spend a meager 1 or 2 percent of GDP on defense budgets. Logan asserts, “In an era of record-breaking budget deficits and serious economic problems at home, the billions of dollars Uncle Sam pays each year to baby-sit Europe and East Asia ought to be coming in for scrutiny, not perpetual affirmation.”
U.S. Standing in the World
Recent studies show that improvements in international perception of the U.S. aid the government's policy aims. However, fostering such perception can at times run contrary to domestic interest. Cato foreign policy scholar Christopher Preble addresses how this issue applies to U.S. overseas interventions, analyzing several studies and articles. Regarding the resolution of this conflict of domestic vs. foreign interest in U.S. policies, Preble concludes that, "most importantly, we could reestablish our international reputation by keeping our promises, and that would begin by not making promises that we can’t — and have no intention to — keep."
What's at Stake When we Alter Trade Policy?
George Mason University professor Russ Roberts discusses the topic of trade on Capitol Hill. He addresses the historical basis for trade, surmising that the reason we no longer value trade so highly (and therefore impose trade restriction policies) is because we no longer rely on trade for our survival. He further provides an analysis of why trade policy is more volatile during a recession.
Cato Reading Lists, by Research Topic
The Cato Institute has just published a reading list of books and articles that form the basis for libertarian thought. The list has been expertly organized and is divided by research topic. If you have been looking for a stronger foundation of the principles of liberty, this is for you!
Three Cheers to Swiss Government for Resisting U.S. Fiscal Imperialism
Swiss bank accounts have been made famous by their anonymity, an issue with which the US courts have recently struck a dispute. Cato scholar Dan Mitchell describes a recent development in the situation. He explains that "the Swiss government has stepped in to ensure that the bank cannot be extorted."
Upcoming Event: Cato Scholar Discusses New Book
Cato scholar and forein policy expert Christopher A. Preble will be discussing his book, The Power Problem: How American Military Dominance Makes Us Less Safe, Less Prosperous, and Less Free, at an event hosted by the American Conservative Defense Alliance on Wednesday, July 15, 2009. His book tour will continue throughout DC over the coming months; stay tuned for updates on these exciting opportunities!
Globalization = Good
Professor Donald J. Boudreaux discusses trade policy through the impirical demonstration of gains from globalization. "Those who doubt the strength of the theoretical case for free trade should also consider that the empirical evidence in its favour is overwhelming. There is simply no credible evidence to support the belief that restricting trade increases the prosperity of ordinary citizens. All of the evidence points towards the benefits of free trade."
Foreign Policy Names Cato the World's Most Innovative Think Tank
Foreign Policy: "Cato's libertarian stance, once viewed as fringe, is now considered respectable. With its anti-incumbent, anti-Washington attitude, Cato has antagonized liberals with its push to privatize Social Security, as well as conservatives with its vigorous opposition to the Iraq war."