The Ripon Forum

Volume 40, No. 3

June - July 2006 Issue

A Note from the Chairman

By on October 14, 2015 with 0 Comments

     From the moment the United States was attacked on September 11, 2001, Americans have known that we were in a different kind of war. But in at least one respect, the war we are fighting today bears some resemblance to wars we have fought in the past. 

     As in all wars, there is a battle underway for the hearts and minds both of those who are engaged in the struggle, and of those who sit on the sidelines. It is a battle waged with ideas and intellect and argument. It is a battle to be won with good communications and public diplomacy, which is defined as the promotion of America’s interests, culture and policies abroad. 

     In this issue of the Forum, we examine what the United States is doing to wage and win this part of the War on Terrorism.  We begin with a focus on Karen Hughes, who, as the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, is spearheading this U.S. effort. We also hear what others have to say on the topic. Harvard professor Joseph Nye talks about the importance of soft power in the Global War on Terror; Iraq vet Wade Zirkle discusses the role of the military in promoting freedom and democracy; and advertising icon Hank Wasiak gives Madison Avenue’s take on Brand America and the messages he believes must be conveyed around the world. 

     We also take a look at some other areas of concern around the globe. Kansas Senator Pat Roberts assesses the Iranian threat, and Hoover fellow Michael McFaul discusses the changing face of U.S.-Russia relations in advance of the G-8 Summit in St. Petersburg in July. 

     Closer to home, Tamar Jacoby provides an update on immigration reform, while Jack McKenzie and Mike Hais explain how the younger generation of Americans known as the Millennials get their news (hint – it’s not Katie Couric).   

     Finally, we feature an interview with Bill Thomas, the respected and, regrettably, retiring Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. A thoughtful political observer, Thomas shares his experiences, and his ideas about what the future holds on Capitol Hill, with Forum readers. 

As always, we appreciate your interest in the Ripon Forum, and hope you enjoy this issue.

Bill Frenzel
Chairman Emeritus
Ripon Society

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