President Obama’s misunderstanding of American exceptionalism has found defenders among international-relations scholars and taken on an aura of legitimacy. Realist theorist Stephen Walt, in a recent article in Foreign Policy, exposes the “myths” of American exceptionalism. Walt echoes Obama’s view — namely that, since many nations have sincerely believed they were…

Statesmen must debate and reassess the merits of any war. How else can they apply our principles to foreign policy in a prudent manner? Such a debate is not, in itself, indicative of rising isolationism in the Republican party. Most people, including Republicans, shun isolationism. But the war-weary may be tempted to embrace strict non-interventionism, even if they…

The Tea Party has had an extraordinary effect on American domestic policy. It has raised interest in policy debates, rallied public opinion, and given conservatives a voice on various spending and constitutional issues. On foreign policy, though, the Tea Party has been largely silent. But with the United States currently involved in three wars on foreign soil, the…

Last month, Ron Paul said he would not have ordered the military action that ended in the death of Osama Bin Laden. In his view, “It was absolutely not necessary.” Never mind that the raid by Navy SEALS fulfilled what had been a stated U.S. foreign-policy objective since 2001, tracking down and punishing the perpetrators of 9/11; Pakistan’s “sovereignty” is more…

Under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary is finally getting a new constitution. The old one was adopted in 1949 and significantly amended in 1989, leaving Hungary as the only country in the former Eastern Bloc that did not formally adopt a new constitution upon gaining independence. Doing so now is monumentally important. The governing party in Hungary, Fidesz,…

A federal agency wants to dictate exactly where businesses can create jobs. Last month, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a complaint against Boeing’s decision to open a new aircraft plant in South Carolina. The agency charges that the manufacturer’s expansion plans constitute “retaliation” against unions, including the International Association of…

A federal agency wants to dictate exactly where businesses can create jobs. Last month, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a complaint against Boeing’s decision to open a new aircraft plant in South Carolina. The agency charges that the manufacturer’s expansion plans constitute “retaliation” against unions, including the International Association of…

The government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has voiced its belief that Hungarians need to return to a philosophy of self-reliance and personal responsibility. Yet this can only happen if the state does not take on responsibilities that belong to individuals. So it's troubling that Hungary's proposed new constitution, in its current form, contains provisions…

The government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has voiced its belief that Hungarians need to return to a philosophy of self-reliance and personal responsibility. Yet this can only happen if the state does not take on responsibilities that belong to individuals. So it's troubling that Hungary's proposed new constitution, in its current form, contains…

President Obama’s less-than-penetrating observation last month that the protesters in Egypt wanted “change” is obviously correct. But despite the president’s affection for the word, there is very little assurance of what “change” will bring and whether it will be congruent with American principles and interests. It is too soon to tell the nature of Egypt’s revolution…