Introduction
This selection of Camcast presentations takes our measure as a nation. A variety of topics and perspectives shed light on how our domestic policies affect our standing on the global stage. Speakers will identify areas of concern and offer possible solutions for the road ahead.
In assessing US foreign policy, consider also the significance of domestic issues. Wherein a clear goal may well exist in foreign policy, implementation of action steps to achieve that goal may or may not succeed, based on the health of the nation’s internal condition. In this realm of uncertainty between stated goals and effective implementation of action steps, strategy is tested.
In this sense, a national strategy reflects the ever-changing dynamic of working towards stated policy goals through diplomatic and economic channels; while debates over energy, immigration, education and politics can undermine progress. Strategy can change as events unfold, whereas policy goals can stay the same. What factors need to be considered in developing strategy? What are the challenges to implementation of that strategy? What developments on the ground or in dialogue lead to a change in policy goals? These are some of the questions addressed by speakers at this year’s Conference.
Please review the titles listed in the Camcast Index section to learn more about the interplay of policy and strategy.
Policy Assessment Video Links
Energy policy and Energy efficiency, Bill Richardson
Immigration, Bill Richardson
Climate change, Bill Richardson
Terrorism, Bill Richardson
Influence of Federal Government, Pete du Pont
Increased Government Spending, Pete du Pont
The Effect of Taxes on GDP, Pete du Pont
National Dependence on Government Aid, Pete du Pont
“Re-inventing Fire: The Energy Debate”, Amory Lovins
The Inefficiency of Fossil Fuels and Solutions, Amory Lovins
Rethinking Oil, Amory Lovins
Rethinking Material Science, Amory Lovins
Efficiency through Technology, Amory Lovins
The Electric Car, Amory Lovins
Efficiency through Integrated Design, Amory Lovins
Renewable Energy and National Security, Amory Lovins
The Failure of Diplomacy, Lawrence Wilkerson
The Rise of Militarization, Lawrence Wilkerson
The NATO Alliance on 9/11, Nicholas Burns
Return to Diplomacy, Nicholas Burns
A Grand Strategy for the U.S., Mark Mykleby
Strategic Ecology and Sustainability, Mark Mykleby
Education and Energy Security as Priorities, Wayne Porter
Intro to Program for International Student Assessment, Robert Schwartz
How the U.S. Ranks in Education, Robert Schwartz
The National Curriculum, Robert Schwartz
Training the Teachers, Robert Schwartz
Re-tooling American Education, Robert Schwartz
Study Guide for Policy Assessment
1. Do we have what it takes?
2. According to Bill Richardson, we must “seek a path” toward resolving America’s immigration debate. What suggestions can you contribute?
3. What is the role of the Federal Government? Is Pete du Pont’s stance on the issue one you share?
4. Referencing the four pillars-Transportation, Industry, Technology, and Design-of his proposed environmental policy, explain how Amory Lovins believes we can achieve a lasting national security.
5. To what extent do you agree with Lawrence Wilkerson’s statements regarding the “Militarization of the decision-making process”?
6. What steps would you take to realize Nicholas Burns’ call for a “Return to diplomacy”? How has our diplomatic situation changed since 9/11?
7. How does Robert Schwartz suggest we “Re-tool American Education”? As a student, can you add to his remarks?