May 8, 2004
DOES ANYONE EDIT JOSEPH NYE?:
Europe’s Soft Power: Fighting terror and extremism is not just a question of military action and law enforcement. Culture, ideas and non-military policies — often referred to as soft power — are just as important. And it is in this area that other countries — especially in Europe — can complement U.S. strengths. Joseph Nye, author of "Soft Power," outlines how in this excerpt. (Joseph Nye, May 03, 2004, The Globalist)
[M]any European domestic policies appeal to young populations in modern democracies.For example, European policies on capital punishment, gun control, climate change, and the rights of homosexuals are probably closer to the views of many younger people in rich countries around the world than are U.S. government policies. [...]
Soft power can be shared and used in a cooperative fashion. European promotion of democracy and human rights helps advance shared values that are consistent with American objectives.
The Islamist extremists of al-Qaeda are fighting against Western values — not just American values. European public diplomacy that counters their appeal is beneficial to the United States.
Do you suppose he even tried to follow his own argument? Posted by Orrin Judd at May 8, 2004 6:29 PM
I am not sure how do you follow his argument, but if it is what policies and attitudes can best energize the youth of a country to fight Islamofascism, it is self-evident that the narcissistic and self-centered youth of Europe is not up to the task of confronting an enemy that (in their own words) cherishes death, not life. A significant percentage of our youth appears to believe that there are values that are worth fighting and dying for, and I doubt they are the government's right to control guns or its ability to prognosticate the weather in 100 years.
Posted by: MG at May 8, 2004 7:45 PMProblem is, they've been using their "soft power" against US for 40-odd years now.
I started reading Revel's Anti-Americanism book. Very few surprises except some itty-bitty stuff.
Posted by: Sandy P. at May 8, 2004 8:03 PMSandy:
Read Without Marx or Jesus along with it--the contrast is amusing. Same defense of America but Revel has come a long way.
Posted by: oj at May 8, 2004 10:33 PMRevel's book is hyperbolic non-sense; sort of like Michael Moore and Ann Coulter.
Sandy P.,
How have "they" been using soft power against the US exactly?
MG,
I think a good indication of the youth of the this country can be found in the form of Pfc. Lynndie England.
Posted by: Plutarch at May 9, 2004 4:35 AMSuddenly I imagine a wistful Osama humming: "...killing me softly with his song"
Hey, Plutarch--three book reviews in two words. Nice work.
Posted by: Peter B at May 9, 2004 6:57 AMYes, Plutarch, I am sure in your world they are.
Posted by: MG at May 9, 2004 9:32 PMThe Lynndie England song
Idiots heaven West Virginia
all related around Shenandoah river
Incest is old there older than the trees
younger than the maggots in the mountain cheese
Country roads take her home
To the camp she belongs
West Virginia old goat momma
Take her home country roads
All my memories gather 'round her
Army's lady stranger to clear water
Dark and dusty smelling to the sky
Misty taste of bootshine drinking like a guy
Country roads take her home
To the camp she belongs
West Virginia old goat momma
Take her home country roads
I hear a voice in the morning how she calls me
The radio reminds me of the IRAQ far away
Drivin' down the road I get the feelin'
That she should been home yesterday yesterday
Country roads take her home
To the camp she belongs
West Virginia old goat momma
Take her home country roads
Country roads take her home
To the camp she belongs
West Virginia old goat momma
Take her home country roads
La la la hey hey
La la la hey hey
La la la hey hey
La la la
West Virginia old goat momma
Take her home country roads
La la la hey hey
La la la hey hey
La la la hey hey
La la la
West Virginia old goat momma
Take her home country roads
Take her home country roads
Take her home country roads