A foreign policy vision: for the next American century

• Published in: Vital speeches of the day Vol. 65; no. 20; pp. 610 - 612
• Main Author: Hutchison, Kay Bailey
• Format: Journal Article Magazine Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chicago Pro Rhetoric 01-08-1999; Pro Rhetoric, LLC; City News Publishing Co., Inc
• Subjects: Foreign policy; Hutchison, Kay Bailey; National security; Senators; United States foreign relations; Yugoslavian foreign relations; United States; Yugoslavia; United States > US
• ISSN: 0042-742X

In an address delivered to the Heritage Foundation, the US Senator from Texas discusses American foreign policy. It is argued that a more coherent foreign policy is needed. The US should acknowledge that bold leadership means war is the last resort...not the first. It should not allow its allies or its enemies to suck it into regional quicksands. This means having the courage not to act. The US should not get involved in civil conflicts that make it party to the conflict. It should help people who are willing to fight for their own freedom. By not becoming directly involved militarily in regional conflicts where its national security interests are not threatened, the US can preserve the impartiality needed to be a peacemaker. It should not even threaten the use of troops unless the security of the US is at risk. The US does not have to commit troops to be a good ally. A reasonable division of labor - based on each ally's strategic interests and unique strengths - would be more efficient and more logical.