“Ideas that matter,
since 1965.”

A Note from the Chairman

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.

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Branding America

After nearly five years, we no longer remember all their names. But we remember their faces. And we will never forget their eyes. They are the eyes of killers. They are the eyes of the 19 hijackers who commandeered four planes on September 11, 2001, taking the lives of over 3,000 people and taking us […]

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Karen Hughes’ Challenge

Since Sept. 11 , 2001, it has become commonplace to say that the United States is engaged in a war of ideas for the hearts and minds of moderate Muslims. Even Donald Rumsfeld has admitted that the metric for measuring success in a war against jihadist terrorism is whether the numbers we kill or deter […]

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On the Frontlines of Freedom

Today on the world stage, particularly in Muslim nations, our military is too often viewed only as the enemy, a disturbing fact not lost on those who now wear the uniform. Make no mistake — death and violence are products of any war. But lost within today’s highly partisan environment are such deeply held goals […]

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Madison Avenue’s Take on Brand America

If any country in the world can be viewed as a brand, it’s America. After all, we invented “branding.” So why, when we are the most powerful nation on earth and facing precarious times, can’t we leverage America’s brand assets? For inspiration and guidance, I returned to the basics of brand building that have worked […]

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A View From Abroad

It is too late to walk or talk softly. The big stick—the enormous military might of the U.S.—bears its own ominous message, but the U.S. might try to promote its democratic ideals with more skill, conviction, and volume. Even the British, our most loyal consumers and faithful allies, are losing the faith, despite their relative […]

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Q&A With Bill Thomas

Earlier this year, Congressman Bill Thomas announced his retirement after nearly 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. First elected in 1978, Thomas has served as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee since 2001. He recently sat down with the Ripon Forum to discuss his experiences in politics and share his thoughts on […]

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No More Mistakes

As the world becomes increasingly focused on Iran’s nuclear activities, we are once again looking to our intelligence to determine what those activities mean.

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Russia Under Putin: Neither Friend Nor Foe

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his supporters were “outraged.” A Kremlin spokesperson denounced the speech as “inconceivable” and “subjective” in its interpretations of Russian internal affairs. Others in Moscow, as well as some in the West, called the speech a return to the Cold War. One Moscow headline suggested that U.S.-Russian relations were at their […]

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How the Millennials Get Their News

Last year’s media coverage of the Gulf Coast hurricanes helped re-define the domestic political agenda leading into this year’s mid-term elections. But it wasn’t just storm coverage. Political damage control was in full effect, with elected officials from all sides of the political spectrum flocking to cable news channels to assuage public fears, tamp down […]

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Immigration Reform: The Challenges Ahead

The immigration debate is at a fever pitch as the Ripon Forum goes to press. Only a fool would try to predict what will happen next, either in the Senate, which will probably vote this week, or in the skirmishing that could follow if lawmakers then move ahead to try to reconcile the Senate package […]

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Back to the Moon… and Beyond!

A robust space exploration program is crucial to maintaining America’s scientific and technological preeminence in the twenty-first century. No other endeavor challenges us to develop innovative new technologies which often improve our quality of life, while simultaneously fulfilling the basic human need to explore new horizons.

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Back to the Moon… But Let’s Fix NASA First

I believe that America – this time with her international partners – should go back to the moon.

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The Back Page: Can you be a Republican and Still Like The Boss?

I got turned onto Bruce Springsteen the summer before my junior year in college. It was 1984. Born in the USA had come out on June 4th. And my friends and I were on a 10-day road trip to Florida before school started back up in the fall.

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Ripon Profile of Susan Collins

I am a Republican because I believe in the core party principles of individual responsibility, personal liberty, federalism, and a strong national defense.

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A Note from the Chairman

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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