Politics & Current Affairs — December 1, 2010

Have We Forgotten Foreign Policy?

Despite the reality of fighting two foreign wars, it is hard to recall a time when foreign policy issues played so diminished a role in the American public’s thinking.

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While it is not unusual for foreign policy to take a back seat during difficult economic times, the absence of concern at a time when American troops are fighting a war in Afghanistan, and the threat of terrorism remains high is remarkable. Part of the explanation may have to do with the fractured nature of public opinion with respect to the top foreign policy issues, as well as to the signs of disjuncture between the parties and their leadership on a number of fronts. These include: Afghanistan, trade and the START nuclear-arms-reduction treaty.

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