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From the moment
the United
States was
attacked on
September 11,
2001, Americans
have known that
we were in a
different kind
of war. But in
at least one
respect, the war
we are fighting
today bears some
resemblance to
wars we have
fought in the
past.
As in all wars,
there is a
battle underway
for the hearts
and minds both
of those who are
engaged in the
struggle, and of
those who sit on
the sidelines.
It is a battle
waged with ideas
and intellect
and argument. It
is a battle to
be won with good
communications
and public
diplomacy, which
is defined as
the promotion of
America’s
interests,
culture and
policies
abroad.
In this issue of
the Forum, we
examine what the
United States is
doing to wage
and win this
part of the War
on Terrorism.
We begin with a
focus on Karen
Hughes, who, as
the Under
Secretary of
State for Public
Diplomacy and
Public Affairs,
is
spearheading
this U.S.
effort. We also
hear what others
have to say on
the topic.
Harvard
professor Joseph
Nye talks about
the importance
of soft power in
the Global War
on Terror; Iraq
vet Wade Zirkle
discusses the
role of the
military in
promoting
freedom and
democracy; and
advertising icon
Hank Wasiak
gives Madison
Avenue’s take on
Brand America
and the messages
he believes must
be conveyed
around the
world.
We also take a
look at some
other areas of
concern around
the globe.
Kansas Senator
Pat Roberts
assesses the
Iranian threat,
and Hoover
fellow Michael
McFaul discusses
the changing
face of
U.S.-Russia
relations in
advance of the
G-8 Summit in
St. Petersburg
in July.
Closer to home,
Tamar Jacoby
provides an
update on
immigration
reform, while
Jack McKenzie
and Mike Hais
explain how the
younger
generation of
Americans known
as the
Millennials get
their news (hint
– it’s not Katie
Couric).
Finally, we
feature an
interview with
Bill Thomas, the
respected and,
regrettably,
retiring
Chairman of the
Ways and Means
Committee. A
thoughtful
political
observer, Thomas
shares his
experiences, and
his ideas about
what the future
holds on Capitol
Hill, with Forum
readers.
As always, we
appreciate your
interest in the
Ripon Forum, and
hope you enjoy
this issue.
Bill Frenzel
Chairman
Emeritus
Ripon Society
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