Making the World Safe

WILL the forthcoming invasion of Iraq prove to be a war to establish the first democratic Iraqi state? Indeed, will it be the first stage in establishing a Middle East of Muslim Arab states rooted securely in modern democracy? Hey—why stop there? Is it destined to be merely the first skirmish in a war led by the United States to make the entire world safe for democracy?

These questions imply a boldly interventionist vision of American foreign policy. Yet they are not far removed from the considerations now openly discussed in Washington by serious people. Certain kinds of political outlook—liberal internationalism on the left, crusading neoconservatism on the right—desire a moral justification for military intervention beyond the practical advancement of U.S. interests. We are assured that the foreign policy of an idealistic people should aim also at spreading their values— democracy, free markets, and human rights— around the world. The overwhelming military and economic dominance of the U.S. gives it the ability at least to embark on such an ambitious program. And a combination of 9/11 and a genuine Iraqi threat provides the necessary pretext for such a campaign.

About the Author

John O’Sullivan

John O’Sullivan is a senior fellow at National Review Institute and a contributing editor of National Review.

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WILL the forthcoming invasion of Iraq prove to be a war to establish the first democratic Iraqi state? Indeed, will it be the first stage in establishing a Middle East of Muslim Arab states rooted securely in modern democracy? Hey—why stop there? Is it destined to be merely the first skirmish in a war led by the United States to make the entire world safe for democracy?

These questions imply a boldly interventionist vision of American foreign policy. Yet they are not far removed from the considerations now openly discussed in Washington by serious people. Certain kinds of political outlook—liberal internationalism on the left, crusading neoconservatism on the right—desire a moral justification for military intervention beyond the practical advancement of U.S. interests. We are assured that the foreign policy of an idealistic people should aim also at spreading their values— democracy, free markets, and human rights— around the world. The overwhelming military and economic dominance of the U.S. gives it the ability at least to embark on such an ambitious program. And a combination of 9/11 and a genuine Iraqi threat provides the necessary pretext for such a campaign.