Steven Clemons: All Publications, Events and Press

Grover Norquist on the Next Republicanism

Communications — Thu, 15 May 2008 09:15:00 -0400

A New America Event
05/15/2008 - 12:15pm

Of the two competing coalitions in American politics -- the "leave us alone" coalition and the "takings" coalition -- Grover Norquist argues that the "leave us alone" coalition is growing in both power and size and will continue to do so with the next generation. The debate stretches beyond the role of taxation and government to the heart of U.S. foreign policy and its role in the world.

Please join us for this provocative discussion, which will be moderated by American Strategy Program Director Steven Clemons.

Copies of Norquist's book, Leave Us Alone, will be sold at the event.

Reports from Lebanon and Video Coverage of the New America Foundation's "Briefing on Beirut"

Communications — Wed, 14 May 2008 11:55:00 -0400

On Tuesday, May 13, the New America Foundation hosted an event featuring two journalists reporting from Beirut on the unfolding security and political crisis in Lebanon. Rami Khouri, editor-at-large of the Daily Star, discussed the large scale political and social trends have led to the current crisis. Nir Rosen, a fellow at the New America Foundation, reported live from the streets of Beirut on the tactical gains made by Hezbollah as well as its broader strategy. They were joined by a panel discussion featuring Daniel Levy, former Israeli negotiator and advisor to the Israeli prime minister's office, and current director… more

Competing in the Green Economy

Communications — Wed, 14 May 2008 08:00:00 -0400

A New America Event
05/14/2008 - 3:00pm

On May 14th the New America Foundation held an event on the future of solar technology and America’s competitive edge. Mike Splinter, President and CEO of Applied Materials, was the featured speaker for the event. Rhone Resch, President of Solar Energy Industries Association, was invited to offer opening remarks. The event was moderated by Steven Clemons, Director of the American Strategy Program at New America. An MP3 audio recording can be downloaded below, while video is available at right.

To begin his discussion, Mr. Splinter raised the issue of record-high energy prices; oil prices are rapidly rising and the cost of coal has doubled in the last year. There is a great demand from the American people for energy alternatives. Mr. Splinter believes renewable energy is the solution. He stated that within a century renewable energy could provide 100% of the world’s primary energy needs.

There is also increasing competition overseas as Germany and China take the lead in developing renewable energies. Mr. Splinter believes the U.S. should take the lead rather than follow in developing a low-carbon economy. He offered a three-step formula for America to take the lead in renewable energy. First, there should be significant loan guarantees for businesses that invest in clean energy production. Next, there should be a significant increase in R&D for America to maintain its technological edge. Finally, Congress should pass a long-term extension of the solar investment tax to encourage extensive investment in infrastructure.

Mr. Splinter concluded by stating the urgent need for an energy solution, “Energy and the environment are the two biggest social and economic issues of our time. America has the ability to make a difference.”

-Faith Smith, American Strategy Intern

Briefing on Beirut

Communications — Tue, 13 May 2008 06:30:00 -0400

A New America Event
05/13/2008 - 9:30am

On May 13th the American Strategy Program brought together five leading experts on Middle East and Foreign Policy to discuss the current crisis in Lebanon: a political standoff between the prominent militia Hezbollah and Lebanon’s government. Those participating in the discussion were Rami Khouri, the Editor-at-large of the Daily Star, Hisham Melhem, the DC Bureau Chief of Al Arabiyah, Nir Rosen, a fellow at NYU’s Center on Law and Security and New America, Daniel Levy, the Director of New America’s Middle East Policy Initiative, and Flynt Leverett, the Director of New America’s Geopolitics of Energy Initiative. Steven Clemons, the Director of the American Strategy Program moderated the event. An MP3 audio recording can be downloaded below, while video is available at right.

Rami Khouri joined the discussion via telephone from Lebanon. He stated that Lebanon was on the brink of change and the Lebanese people had one choice to make: whether they would move towards Baghdad, a violent civil war based on ethnic and religious divisions or Belfast, an inclusive, fair, and functioning government. Mr. Khouri was optimistic that the Lebanese would be able to work out the internal strife and form a pluralistic society that will integrate the Western and Arab ideals that are prominent in Lebanon. He stated that Lebanon was the best hope for Middle East pluralism and could serve as an example for the rest of the region once they move past the current crisis.

Hisham Melhem was less optimistic about Lebanon’s immediate future. He stated that Hezbollah’s armed offense signaled “the beginning of the end of Lebanese politics.” The rise of the militia’s strength and influence represent transformation and the loss of Lebanese liberalism and western orientation. He remained pragmatically hopeful that an accommodation would be reached, yet expressed concern that Hezbollah would become more extreme rather than moderate.

Nir Rosen also participated via telephone from Lebanon. “Nobody really knows what’s going on here,” Mr. Rosen said on the disarray in Beirut. He drew several comparisons to Iraq: the armed occupation of Beirut, by Hezbollah fighters, and the Sunni-Shi’a conflict. Mr. Rosen also believed that the Lebanese army was complicit, either by looking the other way or supporting Hezbollah during their siege.

Flynt Leverett stated that there have been major mistakes in U.S. policy towards Lebanon. By fully supporting the government led by PM Siniora, the U.S. overlooked unfair representation and power-sharing in Lebanon. Mr. Leverett opined that the U.S.’ role in Lebanon has been erosive to its standing in the Middle East.

Daniel Levy offered a few theories as to why the conflict erupted so quickly. It is possible the government miscalculated Hezbollah’s reaction or they were setting a trap for Hezbollah. Mr. Levy said it may have been by virtue of necessity; Lebanon was in a political and ideological stalemate for a long time and needed outside support or intervention.

-Faith Smith, American Strategy Intern

Risks & Rewards of a Multilateral Counterterrorism Strategy

Communications — Fri, 09 May 2008 08:15:00 -0400

A New America Event
05/09/2008 - 12:15pm

In "Building Global Alliances in the Fight Against Terrorism," a new report commissioned by the Better World Campaign, Alistair Millar and Eric Rosand contend that while targeting and capturing terrorists remain at the forefront of the nation's counterterrorism strategy, the United States will need to adopt a much more internationalist approach -- relying on multilateral cooperation for information sharing, enhancing counterterrorism capacities of states big and small, engagement of non-traditional allies, and international legitimacy. But in a changing international landscape, what trade-offs will the next administration face?

This event is co-sponsored by the Better World Campaign, the advocacy arm of the United Nations Foundation.

Understanding the Bin Ladens

Communications — Thu, 01 May 2008 22:15:00 -0400

A New America Event
05/02/2008 - 12:15pm

On May 2, The New America Foundation hosted a book event for President and CEO Steve Coll’s new book The Bin Ladens. An MP3 audio recording can be downloaded below, while video is available at right.

Coll delivered a talk about the experience of Saudi Arabia, dealing with the pressures and prizes of modernity and globalization, through the prism of the Bin Laden family. He conveyed the diversity of experience that permeated the different members of the family.

Coll spoke of three prominent family members: Muhammad (the family patriarch), Salem (the oldest son) and Osama. He spoke of reinterpreting Osama as a member of this powerful family and as a Saudi dissident, hoping to compliment the existing body of knowledge on the notorious Bin Laden.

Ultimately, Osama Bin Laden was an expression of his membership in a talented, well-connected Saudi family. He shared many of the outstanding talents of his father and older brother including: the ability to lead a diverse team toward a common goal, an embrace of modern technology, marketing and branding savvy, and comfort of preforming in front of an audience. Coll’s book shows the diversity and remarkable skills of the Bin Laden family while also trying to help explain the environment that ultimately produced its most notorious member.

-Jonathan Wallace, Assistant to the President

Ending the Nonsense in American Foreign Policy

Communications — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0400

A New America Event
04/30/2008 - 12:00pm

On April 30, American Strategy Director Steve Clemons hosted United States Senator Chuck Hagel, who discussed his new book, America: Our Next Chapter: Tough Questions, Straight Answers. An MP3 audio recording can be downloaded below, while video is available at right.

Senator Hagel’s talk, delivered in his signature self-deprecating and straight-talking manner, emphasized the interconnectedness of America’s challenges and demanded more effective leadership from his colleagues in Washington.

The Vietnam veteran began his analysis of America’s strategic position by stating a fact: 40% of the world’s population is less than 20 years old – and most members of that group are from poor countries. The United States must help to create the conditions for an international order that offers these young men and women the opportunity for economic advancement. America must also improve its image in the minds of these young people by reducing its military footprint and leveraging its economic and ideological strengths.

Serious, bipartisan leadership is required to address the myriad challenges that today’s complex world presents. The Nebraska native compared America’s political leaders to prairie dogs, who dart around without reflection and are quick to hide rather than invite controversy.

The Senator offered three pieces of advice to the next president. First, establish quickly a bipartisan cabinet of the country’s most talented men and women in the mode of Abraham Lincoln. Second, reach out to the Congress, which has abdicated its responsibilities for the past eight years and whose support will be necessary to pursue a consistent foreign policy. Third, travel both across the country and throughout the world to consolidate support at home and strengthen alliances abroad.

-Benjamin Katcher, Research Associate for the American Strategy Program

Asia vs. the West

Communications — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:30:00 -0400

A New America Event
04/28/2008 - 3:30pm

For two centuries Asians have largely been bystanders in world history, reacting to surges of Western commerce, thought, and power.

Now former United Nations Ambassador Kishore Mahbubani -- whom Foreign Policy magazine ranked as one of the top 100 public intellectuals in the world -- declares that era is over and the West must embrace rather than resist this structural shift.

Video of this April 28 event is available at right. For more on Mahbubani, his book and the arguments he puts forth, please see this recent post on The Washington Note.

Sculpting the Next Transatlantic Relationship

Communications — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:00:00 -0400

A New America Event
04/25/2008 - 12:00pm

The 21st century confronts Americans and Europeans with numerous challenges and opportunities. As the world is growing closer together, national politics are becoming less relevant, especially in Europe. The EU has taken on a wide range of responsibilities from its member states. What effect does this development have on transatlantic relations?

The new political landscape in Europe demands a revision of thought and a new approach towards transatlantic relations. Collaboration between the EU and the U.S. is the key factor needed to meet the challenges of our modern world.

Is transatlantic cooperation today as important as it was during the Cold War? How can it be adapted and sculpted to meet the new challenges?

Lunch will be served.

This event is co-sponsored by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation and New America Foundation.

NYC Event: The Global Great Game

Communications — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:00:00 -0400

A New America Event
04/17/2008 - 5:00pm

Grand explanations of how to understand the complex twenty-first century world have all fallen short-until now. In The Second World: Empires and Influence in the New Global Order, Parag Khanna shows how America's dominant moment has quickly been replaced by a geopolitical marketplace where the European Union and China compete with the U.S. to shape world order on their own terms.The primary battlefield is the Second World, regions lying between the three leading empires and the third world: Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and East Asia.

Second World countries could rise into the first world or fall into the third-their future is precarious and uncertain, but their resources are the critical assets for the three expanding superpowers. Whoever dominates the second world will lead the 21st century and Khanna argues that America itself runs the risk of descending into the second world if it does not renew itself and redefine its role in the world.

Please join Peter Marber of HSBC Halbis Partners and the New America Foundation for a cocktail reception and compelling discussion with Parag Khanna about The Second World.

Clinton Has Strategic Blind Spot On China

Ron Tang — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:03:00 -0400

A similar version of this article also appears on The New Republic, which features a debate between Steven Clemons and Richard Just, TNR's deputy editor, on the appropriate response to the Beijing Olympics.

China's Olympics are an enticing target for "cause crusaders" who want to taunt the regime with public relations stunts while the global spotlight and attention of billions are watching every countermove China's leaders make. The "norms" of any state are not really evident unless observed after that state responds to shocks. Cause crusaders are doing their best to exploit the moment to throw… more

We Have To Clean Up Bush's Messes Before We Can Focus On China

Ron Tang — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:15:00 -0400

This article is the third part of a TNR debate between Steven Clemons and Richard Just, deputy editor from The New Republic, on the appropriate response to the Beijing Olympics.

Please click here for the first part of the debate. For the second part, please click here.

From: Steven Clemons To: Richard Just

Richard reads me pretty well. I don't believe that the U.S. government should throw its weight behind an Olympics-tethered human rights rebuke of China -- not because I feel that advocating for human rights is wrong, but because the approach Hillary Clinton is advocating will… more

Why Hillary's Olympics Stance Is Immature

Ron Tang — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:31:00 -0400

This article is the first part of a TNR debate between Steven Clemons and Richard Just, deputy editor from The New Republic, on the appropriate response to the Beijing Olympics.

From: Steven Clemons To: Richard Just

Hillary Clinton recently called on George W. Bush to boycott the Beijing Olympic opening ceremonies, and I think she's showing a strategic blind spot that is worrisome.

To add a bit of context, last October, The New Republic's editors ran a thought-provoking editorial, "Gold Meddle," that struggled with the moral dilemma of sending America's Olympians to compete in a country that still jailed and… more

The Rise of the Right

Communications — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:15:00 -0400

A New America Event
03/27/2008 - 12:15pm

Join us for a conversation with former New York Times Washington Correspondent Adam Clymer, who will discuss his new book, Drawing the Line at the Big Ditch: The Panama Canal Treaties and the Rise of the Right. Clymer argues that domination of the debate over the Panama Canal Treaties gave conservatives emotional appeal and helped build the foundation of the American conservative movement.

After the death of William Buckley, many pondered the origins of the modern conservative movement. But, most of this commentary emphasized the Reagan Administration's Cold War legacy, tax cuts, and market deregulation. In Drawing the Line at the Big Ditch, Clymer tells the story of the Panama Canal throughout the Ford, Carter, and Reagan years, and explains how political divisions that surrounded it divided American politics for decades to come.

Clymer is the winner of numerous awards, including the Everett McKinley Dirksen Award for Distinguished Reporting of Congress and the Carey McWilliams Award from the American Political Science Association.

Copies of Drawing the Line at the Big Ditch will be sold at the event.

The Global Great Game

Communications — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 07:15:00 -0400

A New America Event
03/17/2008 - 12:15pm

Grand explanations of how to understand the complex twenty-first century world have all fallen short-until now. In The Second World: Empires and Influence in the New Global Order, Parag Khanna shows how America's dominant moment has quickly been replaced by a geopolitical marketplace where the European Union and China compete with the U.S. to shape world order on their own terms.The primary battlefield is the Second World, regions lying between the three leading empires and the third world: Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and East Asia.

Second World countries could rise into the first world or fall into the third-their future is precarious and uncertain, but their resources are the critical assets for the three expanding superpowers. Whoever dominates the second world will lead the 21st century and Khanna argues that America itself runs the risk of descending into the second world if it does not renew itself and redefine its role in the world.

Join the New America Foundation for a compelling discussion of The Second World, which was recently adapted in a cover story in The New York Times Magazine.

Emerging Out of the Violence

Communications — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 -0400

A New America Event
03/13/2008 - 9:30am

Please join us for a conversation with former Israeli Foreign Minister and Minister of Public Security Shlomo Ben-Ami. Ben-Ami led peace negotiations with the PLO under Prime Minister Ehud Barak, culminating in the Camp David Summit. He is visiting the United States to discuss the shortcomings of the Annapolis process, how to address them, and the broader regional picture.

Given the Israeli-Palestinian violence of the past few weeks, Ben-Ami will address the "how to's" of a ceasefire plan, the ongoing security dilemmas, management of the Hamas-Fatah-Israel triangle, a return to permanent status negotiations, and the role that United States and the international community needs to play in all these stages. He will also share his insights regarding the uncertain regional context in the Middle East with respect to the role of Egypt, Iran, Syria, the Arab League Initiative, and the requirements for brokering peace in the region.

Kenya on the Brink

Communications — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0500

A New America Event
03/03/2008 - 12:00pm

Kenya has drawn increasing scrutiny and absorbed U.S. policymakers' attention after the disputed results of the December election set off rounds of violence amongst political factions. During the runup to the elections, European Parliament member and Deputy Chairman of the German Liberal Democrats (FDP), Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, led an EU observer mission. As one of the first and leading voices to express doubts about the election process, he drew international attention to the electoral crisis. Graf Lambsdorff has argued that Kenya's electoral commission failed to establish the credibility of the vote-counting process due to unaddressed reported irregularities. Because of those irregularities, he has stated that some doubt remains about the accuracy of the official results.

Germany’s influential Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung has called Graf Lambsdorff a “non-diplomatic diplomat” and a “radical free-market economist…who is giving his opinion on various important hot-topics in European Politics [including] the question of Turkey's EU-membership, Germany's seat in the UN Security Council, the Services Directive and the European Chemical Directive."

Lunch will be served.

This event is co-sponsored by the New America Foundation and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.

Steve Clemons and Lawrence Wilkerson in Financial Times | 'A Family Business'

Communications — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:15:00 -0500

New America in the News:

'A Family Business' (Finanical Times Analysis Online)

To the generation of Cuban exiles that has spent almost half a century dreaming of the day Fidel Castro left power, last week came as a cruel disappointment.

While the legendary revolutionary leader finally stepped down as head of state, the communist government he set up maintains its grip on a calm and stable Cuba. With no sign of a fundamental policy shift in Havana, Washington is also continuing the economic embargo introduced by John F. Kennedy. ...

“I don’t believe this administration, with its tin ear, is going to be productive in any way,” says Col Lawrence Wilkerson, formerly Colin Powell’s chief of staff at the State department, speaking about Mr Castro’s resignation. “But I do believe this might spark the two Democratic [presidential] candidates and perhaps the Republican candidate to begin a policy review,” he adds, saying that such a move could lead to the end of restrictions on visiting the country and an easing of the embargo.

Steven Clemons, a foreign policy expert at the Washington-based New America Foundation, says loosening trade and travel restrictions with Cuba would be the most effective and low-cost means for the next US president to signal a new way of engaging with the world. He expects little resistance to a policy change among the broader US population as fear of communism fades. “The contradiction between trading with China and Vietnam on the one hand and maintaining the embargo with Cuba on the other is becoming more difficult to sustain,” he says. ...

“People are having to choose between returning for their mother’s funeral or their father’s funeral because, if both die within three years of each other, they cannot attend both,” says Mr Clemons.

Steve Clemons in Dallas Morning News | 'Joshua Kurlantzick: It's Time to End the Cuban Embargo'

Communications — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 15:27:00 -0500

New America in the News:

Joshua Kurlantzick: It's Time to End the Cuban Embargo (Dallas Morning News opinion piece)

...John McCain has indicated he would continue the current policy. And as Washington policy analyst Steve Clemons notes, Mike Huckabee, who backed greater engagement with Cuba when he was governor of Arkansas, now says he wants to put still more pressure on Havana.

So, even as Cuba and the world changes, the candidates seem stuck in the past, keeping a shrinking number of Cuban-American voters happy – and leaving the rest of us less safe.

Steven Clemons in San Francisco Chronicle | 'Castro, primaries - food, fuel for blogosphere'

Communications — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 10:21:00 -0500

New America in the News:

Castro, primaries - food, fuel for blogosphere (San Francisco Chronicle)

It came as a shock that, after 50 years in power, Castro has conceded he is no longer physically up to the job of running Cuba and is transferring the reins of power (well almost) to his brother, Raul. What this all means was taken up at links.sfgate.com/ZCNE by Steven C. Clemons. He says that what is lost amid all the reporting of the moment is that the real question may be, "Which of the presidential candidates is prepared to finally break U.S.-Cuba relations out of the anachronistic Cold War cocoon they have been frozen in and initiate a new course that benefits American interests?"

"Of all the low cost opportunities to demonstrate a new and different U.S. style of engagement with the world, Cuba is at the top of the list."

"One interesting U.S. presidential race tidbit involves Fidel Castro - who is now quite dismissive of and sparring with John McCain over McCain's accusations that Cuban agents engaged in torture in Vietnam. However, before this spat, Castro said that the 'unbeatable' U.S. presidential ticket would have both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama on it."