-

Crisis Abroad

Perhaps not since the Gulf War have we given sustained attention to overseas matters as we do now with Kosovo. Enjoying the fruits of our strong economy, our pursuits have long been geared to the domestic front until now (foreign countries existed for the sole purpose of providing us with trade partners). Indeed, our comfort level may well be challenged as this conflict continues to escalate.

Looking back, the victory in the Persian Gulf conveniently capped off the end of the Cold War era. Before then, our foreign policy had been guided by the threat of highly ideological opponents, at least back to the 1930's. Although our presumptions of such principled divisions were seriously tested during and after the Vietnam era, they continued to serve as demarcations up to the very eve of this decade. What direction should foreign policy have taken after the fall of the Soviet Union? It had certainly been easier to define international matters when Nazis or Communists threatened the world. But as conflicts resorted back to the more primitive sort (regional, ethnic and religious), we hardly knew how to react. Now we are committed to an engagement in just such an old-fashioned type of conflict, Nazi-like overtones aside, that may involve the deployment of American ground troops and the entanglement of a fair portion of our overall military might. What principles should guide us in evaluating these events?

—Leadership University Editor/Webmaster, Byron Barlowe


Feature Articles:

The Paradox of War and Pacifism
Mark T. Clark
This article examines the paradox of war and pacifism in the Bible, where paradox means apparent contradiction. The examination includes a review of the major positions Christians have taken on the paradox historically, from that of pacifism, to qualified participation, to the crusade.

The Slaughter of the Innocents: Kosovo and Just War Theory
Charles W. Colson
Should we be involved in this conflict in Kosovo? What would the Just War theory dictate that we do?

The Slaughter of the Innocents: Why America Must Act Decisively to Free Kosova
D. W. Tedder, Ph.D.
A rebuttal to Colson's article.

U.S. Has Right to Bomb, But is Bombing Right?
Larry P. Arnn
What would Winston Churchill say about our strategy in Kosovo? Previous foreign policy blunders and the current lack of a definitive plan call into question the ability of this administration to effectively handle this situation.

Avoiding Another Balkan Quagmire in Kosovo
James Anderson
Although written before the bombing campaign began, this article provides insight to the dangers that the United States might face in Kosovo, even with the support of NATO allies.

Onward Christian Soldiers? Christian Perspectives on War
Timothy J. Demy
What should be the Christian attitude and response to the death, destruction, and devastation caused by war?


General Foreign Policy Articles:

The Illusions of Military Power
A. J. Bacevich
Our foreign policy may be understood in light of cultural and political trends over the last few decades.

The Responsibilities of Power
Sven F. Kraemer
What should our role be in the post-Cold War world? This book review of George Weigel's Idealism Without Illusions: U.S. Foreign Policy in the 1990s provides some valuable insights on this topic.



We would love to get your feedback on this special focus. Please tell us what you think.

Go here to see our past Special Focus features.