Project Leviathan
Change is Coming
What is the primary purpose of U.S. foreign policy?
For the vast majority of its history, the essence of American statecraft has been the defense and advancement of the interests of the United States, which encompasses the safety and material well-being of its citizens, as well as their values and aspirations. It is only relatively recently that this changed.
American foreign policy has been adrift since the end of the Cold War: it has focused on promoting an aggressive strand of liberal internationalism that rejects the primacy of the national interest and instead pursues distinctly global and ideological aspirations.
This pursuit of what is characterized as higher goals – global peace and prosperity, the furtherance of a particular ideological worldview, and an unwavering commitment to destroy all monsters and oppressors – has been disastrous for the United States. In seeking to advance the “global good,” U.S. foreign policy leaders have abdicated their foremost responsibility: that to America’s citizens. The results have been clear to all: disastrous interventions overseas, the enrichment of our geopolitical rivals at our expense, and a decline of American power abroad and prosperity at home.
Yet despite these failing results, no viable alternative has been provided to correct our foreign policy properly.
Until now.
It is recognized by the authors of this statement that America’s foreign policy is meant to protect the American way of life, not to make the whole world safe for democracy. In the vein of pragmatists from George Washington to George Kennan, we seek to reestablish a foreign policy consensus of old – one that recognizes the tragedy of human nature and understands that power is the center of international relations. We seek to engage abroad to defend our national interests, not to export our democracy or national wealth. We reject neoconservatism, but we also reject isolationism. Instead, we favor a foreign policy conservatism grounded in a prudent understanding of human nature, the balance of power, and the national interest.
To this end, we are building a community of early and mid-career professionals hungry for a more strategic approach to America’s global challenges. We will discuss, coordinate, and ultimately implement the ideas of realism into American foreign policy. If you believe our country’s foreign policy should be based on our permanent national interests and want to serve your country, we hope you join us as we develop our alternative as a guiding hand for America’s leaders.