Mainstream public debate regarding U.S. foreign policy of late has seemed limited and unimaginative. On one hand, engagement abroad leads to costly and fruitless interventions; on the other hand pulling back from the world is naive isolationism that will only allow threats to grow unchecked. With Preventive Engagement, Council on Foreign Relations fellow Paul Stares brings a welcome and persuasive case for a more nuanced and far-sighted foreign policy vision. The liberal international order has proved remarkably resilient over the past 70 years, but it should never be taken for granted. It is in the United States' national interest to preserve and strengthen it, a burden that can be shouldered without long, costly wars. Stares takes the first half of the book to explain the conceptual foundations of preventive engagement, including "the rigorous application of what is termed preventive foresight methods." Then he puts preventive engagement to the test using real-world contingencies. This latter half is useful, but in part strains it to be something unique rather than simply prudent planning.
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