Robert Kagan, Washington Post | March 19, 2010
President Obama thus far has failed to strengthen relationships with historic allies, focusing instead on a fruitless search for improved relations with adversaries. ++ “This administration pays lip-service to ‘multilateralism,’ but it is a multilateralism of accommodating autocratic rivals, not of solidifying relations with longtime democratic allies.” ++ In doing so, he departs from a 60 year-old American Grand Strategy of cultivating formal military and political alliances with an aim to create a balance of power perpetually in favor of the democracies.
Andrew Nagorski, Newsweek | March 19, 2010
 “So many people have bet on our demise that it absolutely drives me crazy” states US Vice-President Joseph Biden. ++ Indeed, to the chagrin of many Americans, it has been said countless times before that America is in decline. ++ Yet trends highlighted by economist Niall Fergusson in a recent Foreign Affairs article offers compelling evidence that this is indeed the case. ++ “Just because we’ve been through these debates, prophesies, and recriminations about America’s alleged decline before isn’t a reason to simply shrug all of this off.”
Editorial, Le Monde (in French) | March 18, 2010
 The 21st century will witness new commercial battlefronts: the yuan vs. the dollar is one of them. ++ Americans blame Chinese officials for maintaining the yuan at an unnecessarily low exchange rate, therefore making it more difficult for the American economy to recover. ++ Responding to a letter written by Congressmen urging retaliation, Wen Jiabao gave a straightforward lecture on the economy: China is America’s primary creditor, so the road to economic recovery leads through China, not the other way round.
Petra Bornhöft, Der Spiegel | March 18, 2010
Germany has failed to keep its aid pledges to developing countries. ++ It has fallen short of both EU and UN aid requirements. ++ “In the international community, Germans are now seen as masters of the empty promise.” ++ Aid in Germany is no longer seen in terms of moral values but rather in terms of buying support for global challenges like security and climate change. ++ This frugality could have political implications as UN member countries vote on whether Germany should have a temporary seat on the Security Council.
George Walden, former British diplomat and MP| March 17, 2010
 The current EU diplomatic service is a total waste of time and money: it is multiplying decision-levels and expenses endlessly. ++ “Diplomacy is not all evasive waffle, and sometimes you must take a stand.” ++ Developing countries like China and Russia are gaining more and more power on the international stage, and Baroness Ashton is not to be blamed for both the inarticulate European position, and weakened national voices. ++ She is left with only one option: resign and blame this new European monstrosity.
Konrad Ott | Internationale Politik | March 2010
Global Sun Block | Calgary University | March 2010
Ismael Rafols | University of Sussex | March 2010
F. Stephen Larrabee | Rand Corportation | March 2010
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