WCVE Forum May 15: “It’s Time to Clip America’s Global Wings” Debate

Intelligence Squared U.S. presents an all-new program on foreign policy, featuring four high-level national security leaders debating the motion “It’s time to clip America’s global wings.”

With the U.S. now involved in Libya, an uproar on Middle Eastern shores and the war in Afghanistan – and the transition of the national security team in Washington – what’s next for America’s world role?

Arguing FOR clipping America’s global wings: Peter Galbraith – renowned diplomat, author and academic Peter Galbraith, who was the first US ambassador to Croatia, helped uncover Saddam’s gassing of the Kurds, and in 2009 was appointed the UN Deputy Special Rep for Afghanistan; and Lawrence Korb – is sought out for his expertise in national security issues, and has authored 20 books on the subject. He shares his views frequently in journals, television commentary show and op-ed pieces. Korb was assistant secretary of defense in the Reagan Administration.

Arguing AGAINST curtailing our global might: Elliott Abrams – held foreign policy positions in both the Reagan and Bush administrations. In the 1980s, Human Rights Watch accused him of covering up atrocities committed by the military forces of US-backed governments. In 1991 he was convicted of withholding information from Congress during the Iran-Contra investigation. Eliot Cohen – was one of the first neoconservatives to publicly advocate war against Iran and Iraq, and a counsellor to the State Department under former Secretary Condoleezza Rice.

Host John Donvan skillfully moderates the arguments. John Donvan is a correspondent for ABC News Nightline. He has served as ABC White House Correspondent, along with postings in Moscow, London, Jerusalem and Amman.

Tune in for WCVE Forum Sunday May 15 at 6:00 PM on WCVE Public Radio.