American Leadership Policy Studies and Research | Leadership for America

American Leadership

The freedom and security of Americans depend on America's global leadership.
Learn More... Statement of Purpose Without American leadership the world will become a more dangerous place – for Americans and for freedom. If left unchecked, the growing dangers will only get worse and may reach the point where America’s very existence is at stake. Transnational terrorism, rampant anti-Americanism, unaccountable international institutions, nuclear proliferation, and regional conflict all represent real threats to peace and prosperity. We can deal with these grim challenges. Just as The Heritage Foundation helped devise the strategies and plans to win the Cold War, it can and should do the same with respect to helping America win the global war of ideas for freedom and security.

It will be Heritage’s mission to carry forward the legacies of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher by devising and promoting new strategies and policy recommendations for the 21st Century. In this new era, it will be crucial for the United States to prevail in the ideological battle against radical Islam and the resurgence of leftist populism and other ant-American forces, create alternatives to the United Nations, and spread and institutionalize global economic and political freedoms around the world. What is required is a coherent overarching blueprint that identifies the sources of anti-Americanism and the lack of confidence and coherence in U.S. leadership here at home, while also outlining the political, diplomatic, economic, and military instruments that are needed to overcome these obstacles and reassert the nations global leadership role. These solutions must be grounded in the First Principles of the Constitution and its intent of safeguarding and advancing the cause of freedom.

A Meaningful Agenda for President Obama's Meeting with Southeast Asian Leaders

November 10, 2009

When he meets with ASEAN leaders this week, President Obama needs to make substantive progress on several pressing issues: free trade, Burma, and the rise of China.

By Walter Lohman

Taiwan's Economy Needs More Than Cooperation with China

November 9, 2009

More open Taiwanese trade and investment with China fits the principles of American foreign policy. The U.S. should assist Taiwan in this effort, starting with U.S.-Taiwan trade and investment.

By Derek Scissors, Ph.D.

The U.N. Human Rights Council: No Better for Obama's Engagement

November 9, 2009

The record of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights was a disgrace. Three years ago, the commission was replaced by the Human Rights Council, and its record has been equally dismal. The Obama Administration sought a seat at the council in an attempt to reform the council from within. Evidence from the first council sessions with the U.S. as a member demonstrates that the Obama Administration has failed to improve the human rights body. "Defamation of religions" resolutions continue to threaten free speech around the world. Brutal regimes continue to influence council deliberations. Israel remains unfairly targeted.

By Brett D. Schaefer and Steven Groves

Japan's Security Policy: Navigating the Troubled Waters Ahead

November 9, 2009

The United States's relationship with Japan has just become more complicated. The recent election victory of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) has resulted in more resistance to a truly shared U.S.-Japanese mission. Refusing to provide troops to aid the coalition in Afghanistan, and generally uninterested in actively engaging in overseas security missions, the risk-averse DPJ is pulling back from its responsibilities in the U.S.-Japan alliance, as well as internationally. This leaves the U.S. in the position of responding to an ally who demands an equal role yet resists assuming equal responsibilities.

By Bruce Klingner

Bomb or Surrender: Not America's Only Options Regarding Iran

November 2, 2009

Any long-term strategy to counter the possible emergence of a nuclear Iran must include offensive strike options, defensive systems--including ballistic missile defenses--and diplomatic initiatives.

By Baker Spring and James Phillips

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Reagan and the Fall of the Berlin Wall

November 10, 2009

For years, it has been the fashion in many ideological precincts to argue the collapse of the Soviet Union -- at more or less the moment it disintegrated -- was due almost entirely to Communism's structural weaknesses, and not to anything the West may have done to hasten its demise. In this view, while the two factions may have been at war for decades, the final result was not victory for one side so much as abdication by the other.

By Edwin J. Meese III

What Iran Learned From the Hostage Crisis: Terrorism Works

November 5, 2009

Today is the 30th anniversary of the beginning of the Iranian hostage crisis, America's first searing experience with Islamist terrorism.

By James Phillips

With Karzai's Victory, Security Must Take Precedence

November 5, 2009

Now that the Nov. 7 runoff election in Afghanistan has been canceled and Hamid Karzai announced the official winner of the Aug. 20 vote, President Obama must end the uncertainty surrounding the future of U.S. engagement in the region, and announce a strategy for moving forward in Afghanistan.

By Lisa Curtis

Armed Forces May Count the Cost of Cutbacks on Defence

October 29, 2009

The publication of Bernard Gray's much-leaked report on defence procurement gives all the parties a vital chance to commit to spending plans and sensible reforms that will protect the future of Britain's armed forces.

By Ted Bromund

Blood Brothers No More?

October 9, 2009

Is President Dmitri Medvedev of Russia trying to come out from under the shadow of his long-time political mentor and former boss Prime Minister Vladimir Putin? So it would seem.

By Ariel Cohen

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