Militarism

As a candidate, Joe Biden promised a values-based U.S. foreign policy towards Saudi Arabia. Less than a year into his presidency, Biden’s administration has abandoned that promise by resuming arms sales to Saudi Arabia, justifying the decision by saying the weapons do not support Saudi “offensive operations.”

A progressive vision for the United States needs to include foreign policy. Today’s challenges require a holistic view that recognizes the connections between domestic and international issues. Military-first approaches have long predominated in American engagement with the world, but advancing justice for all amid historic crises will require a new paradigm.

With more pro-Trump actions planned before Joe Biden’s inauguration, it is crucial we address the real shortcomings of Capitol Police: their sympathy towards and involvement in white supremacy. 

What should a progressive U.S. foreign policy look like? Is such a thing even possible? Panelists sought to answer this and more in the first Progressive Caucus event of the Fall 2020 semester.

The HKS Progressive Caucus hosted Khury Petersen-Smith, Shireen al-Adeimi and Tobita Chow for a conversation on progressive U.S. foreign policy, moderated by caucus co-chair Joey Leone. To hear about future events, follow the Progressive Caucus on Twitter @Progressive_HKS. Khury Petersen-Smith is the Michael Ratner Middle East Fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies.  He researches, writes, and speaks about US […]