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In the December 2003 issue of the Atlantic, George Soros discusses "The Bubble of American Supremacy." He likens the neo-conservative "pursuit of American supremacy" to a market bubble, in which "a misconception is reinforced by a trend prevailing in reality ... that is when a boom-bust process gets under way. Eventually the gap between reality and its false interpretation becomes unsustainable, and the bubble bursts." Good stuff.

As any good politician will tell you, it's not enough just to criticize; you need to offer solutions. Actually, good politicians won't tell you that, they'll do it. Not-so-good politicians will announce that this is the case and that they will therefore proceed to do it, and then do it. Postmodern era indeed.

Here is Soros' outline of the problem:

1. It is not a choice of "work with the United Nations and get nothing done" versus "work alone and get stuff done." Principle of sovereignty notwithstanding, the United Nations can and has been used to intervene in the internal affairs of states. Whatever its structural weaknesses, the United Nations offers a powerful cloak of legitimacy for any action, and, with its position of power and influence, it is the United States that, more often than not, borrows that cloak to pursue its goals.

2. It is not a choice of "military action" versus "do nothing." This is another false choice offered by the neo-conservative movement. When one looks at the success of the democratic and economic development of S. Korea, it should be noted that the transition from military rule toward democratic rule occurred simultaneously with the growth of Korea's consumer class and its close engagement with the world (i.e., 1988 Olympics). In China, encouraging signs of a similar transformation have appeared over the last decade. A word of caution, however; it is still too early to call, and there will need to be a critical mass of pro-democratic ideas and institutions before we see the cascade of change. Though these examples may be anecdotal in nature, they point to economic and political engagement as tools for fostering a middle class and thereby engendering democracy.

If we refute the false choices offered by the neo-conservatives, we can opt to follow a long-term strategy that involves engagement and economic and social development via international institutions.

Soros again:

Thanks to Glasstrack for the link.