DONATE

JOHN J. MEARSHEIMER

< Distinguished speaker series

Event information

JOHN J. MEARSHEIMER

THE R. WENDELL HARRISON DISTINGUISHED SERVICE PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE,

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

Liberalism, Realism, Nationalism, and the U.S.'s Role in the World

DATE: November 12, 2020 6:00 pm

WATCH EVENT ON YOUTUBE

Background

“For better or for worse, liberal hegemony is history”.  With such a statement, John Mearsheimer concluded a talk about his recently published book “The Great Delusion: Liberal Dreams and International Realities” at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

In his newest book, Mearsheimer argues that the U.S. foreign policy of liberal hegemony, which was adopted at the end of the Cold War, has failed miserably. Here, U.S. liberal hegemony is defined as an attempt to remake the world in America’s image and has several components: spread liberal democracy across the planet, and integrate more countries into the open international economy and international institutions. Mearsheimer explains that the failure has occurred because nationalism and realism always trump liberalism and the United States might need to rethink its foreign policies and accept that sometimes, liberalism isn’t able to solve every problem that the world faces.

In his upcoming presentation to the BCFA, Mearsheimer will define liberalism, realism, nationalism, and liberal hegemony, the history behind why the United States pursued the latter, its track record, and what to expect in the future.  Mearsheimer will suggest a clear alternative to the mainstream views of most of today’s foreign policy experts, especially in Western Europe and in the United States.

Even if one disagrees with some (or most) of Mearsheimer’s tenets, it is nevertheless helpful to understand the thinking behind today’s differing foreign policy views, and the many dynamics taking place in today’s world.

Share:

Questions about the program?

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Be the First to Hear about Upcoming Speakers

The Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs is purely a local organization in programming, governance and support.

Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin Spotify
Quick Links
Get In Touch

© BCFA All Rights Reserved.

Close

Wilson Center

Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!

At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.

The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.

Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.

It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.