This is the second of the ten topics discussed by the students in Ambassador Derek Shearer's Rebranding America project. The complete report can be found here.
The point papers or policy memo is divided into four sections - Problem, Strategic Interests, Means, and Possible Outcomes. The means section is further divided into subsections consisting of actions to be taken in the first month, first six months and one year and beyond time frames. This is my summary of the student's summaries:
Problem:
No one likes us.
Putin hates us because we support NATO membership for states that were formerly in the Soviet sphere of influence. He also hates the fact that we are smart enough to develop an Unproven Missile Defense System That Doesn't Work (tm), except of course when it does, that threatens Russia's ability to project coercive strategic power.
The Europeans hate us because, well just because. We tend to show how moribund their own societies are and while they are content to exist in a passive role America is active and tries to change the world according to our needs. The recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq tend to show just how lopsided a deal NATO is and that exacerbates foreign policy disputes with our allies.
Strategic Interest:
EU - Other than the fact that they buy a lot of our crap and we buy a lot of theirs, there really isn't one. The Europeans would like to think that their opinions count for something as far as foreign policy goes but we all know that's wishful thinking. They don't have the muscle to back anything up - for Christ's sake they couldn't even maintain the peace is Kosovo and that has a population of about 4.
Russia / CIS - Two words - Oil and Nukes. The Russians have one and we don't want them using the other.
Another major issue in the area is the possible spread of Islamic fundamentalism, which would have a possibility of spreading into neighboring states.
Means:
First Month:
Visit Europe. Show everyone what a swell guy Obama the next president is.
Start a gradual transition to the metric system. If we weren't so stubborn in sticking to the imperial system the world would love us.
Invite Russian President Medvedev to the White House where the President should have the following priorities and plans:
- Court Medvedev for an improved platform for the next Russian Presidency (whatever that means) and (no I am not making this up) possibly do a joint yoga session.
- Offer to share the hated Unproven Missile Defense That Doesn't Work(tm) with Russia, despite the fact that such an offer has been made numerous times and the Russians have turned it down each time. Offer to let Russia participate in Operation Enduring Freedom, because they really didn't get enough of Afghanistan in the 80's. Actually maybe Putin would be up for a little payback.
- Vocally support the Russian Foreign Minister's plan for global missile defense shield which would include Japan. A plan that as near as I can tell is no missile defense at all.
- Finally given that our biggest problem with Russia is a lack of communication we should make it clear that our support for pro-democracy groups isn't anti-Russian it's pro-prosperity. If we can just make them understand that everything will be all right.
First 6 Months:
Continue to support and press for NATO membership for Georgia and the Ukraine. After the recent invasion of Georgia by Russia all the other NATO members are sure to line up to support the expansion now, especially France and Germany who were instrumental in denying membership the last time it was considered.
Given that the Green Party has a stranglehold on European politics America should ignore the economic damage and scientific falsity of global warming as well as the panicked mind set of peak oil and team with the EU in developing alternative energy sources. There actually isn't anything wrong with alternative energy but the reasons for doing it should be for national and economic security and energy independence not to pander favor.
Bring back Voice of America. Broadcast international news and American TV programs and movies in Russian or with Russian subtitles. This actually isn't a bad idea just too limited. The BBC broadcasts in about 70,000 languages we should do the same. In countries were we really want to make an impact we should distribute cheap radios that only pick up Voice of America.
Hold a summit to discuss holding summits.
Initiate a conference with the US/EU and Russia to address issues of security and terrorism. Once again this is something President Bush should have done but he is such a moron we can't count on that. Incorporate Russian involvement in NATO operations such as Afghanistan and Missile Defense even though most NATO operations and Missile Defense run directly counter to Russian foreign policy.
First Year and beyond:
More Summits
Increase student aid and student visas
Give a bunch of money to the former Soviet states whether or not they meet any of the conditions that were established for aid.
Possible Outcomes:
Hopefully we will win over the hearts and minds of the Russians and the people of the CIS states and we can all live in a land with chocolate rivers and gumdrop forests, but the most likely outcome is we will continue to antagonize Russia, maintain the status quo in Europe and hopefully pick up some friends in the CIS states.
Rebranding America
Topic One - Iraq
Topic 2 - TRANSNATIONAL TERRORISM, AL-QAEDA, AND TORTURE
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