Senator discusses multilateralism
By TERESA FRALISH
Assistant News Editor
In the post-Cold War and post-Sept. 11 world, U.S. foreign policy must demonstrate careful judgment and a willingness to seek multilateral solutions through organizations such as the United Nations, said Senator Chuck Hagel. Hagel, Neb.-R, a two-term Republican senator and member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, spoke at Notre Dame on Friday about the topic "U.S. Foreign Policy: Meeting the Challenges of Change."
"America gains by working with and empowering our allies," said Hagel.
At the beginning of his talk, the senator focused on the differences in international politics today as compared to the bipolar world order of the Cold War when the main threat to American security was posed by the Soviet Union. "We developed strategic plans to deal with that [threat]," said Hagel. "We knew who the enemy was."
In a world with a single superpower, Hagel said the challenge confronting America will involve recognizing and appropriately dealing with the new world order. "The kind of world we live in today is far more complicated. A great test of leadership in world affairs is to understand the dynamics of change," said Hagel.
Hagel also discussed the new threats civilized societies must confront after the Sept. 11 attacks. "Threats [today] come from transnational cartels and a network of terrorism," he said. In addition to terrorism, the senator warned of the dangers presented by failed states and unstable governments.
In particular, Hagel talked about the situations in Iraq and North Korea and said the United States must carefully consider all policy options and not rush to choose a certain course of action for a particular threat. "[These problems] will not be resolved by regime change in Baghdad," said Hagel. "America must deal with all of these problems at the same time."
While Hagel agreed that the United States stands as the world's most powerful nation, he said that such a status would not automatically preclude success in resolving global security issues. "America straddles the globe at the start of the 21st century unrivaled [and] we enter this new century with confidence and promise," he said.
However, Hagel explained that America's military and economic strength alone would not be sufficient to bring about lasting resolutions to global problems. "We cannot solve completely all the problems of the world," the senator said. "We can do more, but we can not do it alone."
In particular, the United States must not adopt a unilateralist policy approach without first considering other options, said Hagel. "This line of thinking is questionable and very chancy," he said.
The senator stressed the importance of resolving global problems through regional and international organizations, such as the United Nations and NATO.
As part of this approach, Hagel praised President Bush for working through the United Nations in the administration's attempts to disarm Iraqi president Saddam Hussein. "[The Bush policy] represents the most responsible and expeditious means to end the threat in Iraq," he said.
Hagel said the United States must be ready for war if such an option is necessary, but should consider carefully all possible resolutions and not exhibit a rush to judgment. "America must not fear making difficult decisions, including the decision for war," said Hagel. "We must be patient and exercise mature judgment."
The senator, a Vietnam War combat veteran, also reflected on the lessons that America's involvement in Vietnam carries for foreign policy making today. "Because of my experiences in Vietnam I know that war brings uncertainty," said Hagel. "The burden on policy makers is to be wise and judicious. To misread or overlook the lessons of history dooms us to repeat."
The Vietnam conflict, arguably the only war the United States has ever lost, eventually developed into a quagmire from which the United States could not extricate itself, despite superior military power, explained Hagel.
The senator cautioned against becoming involved in foreign nations with similar characteristics to Vietnam. In particular, Hagel discussed the problem of Iraq and the possible advantages and difficulties that military involvement in that country would pose. "If the president decides to use force to disarm Saddam Hussein we do not know what will follow," he said.
All News Stories for Monday, January 27, 2003
