McFaul's World

Here, at McFaul’s World, we will wrestle with the big questions about the nature of international politics today, and especially America’s place in this world. What does this new era of great power competition between the United States, China, and Russia mean for American national interests, small d democrats around the world, and the future of the international system? What is the state of play between the struggle between democrats versus autocrats around the world, both between countries and within countries? The greatest threat to democracy, sovereignty, and a rules-based international system is Putin’s war in Ukraine. How do we understand the conflict and what can we do to help end it? As a lifelong academic, I aim to engage these questions through hypothesis testing and data. But I do have opinions, beliefs, and normative commitments - the belief in the universality of human rights and in democracy. I realize that the older I get, the less I feel I know. So, on this platform, I want to learn through meaningful dialogue with anyone who wants to join the conversation in a respectful way. No name-calling here. No propagating obvious disinformation. But if you too like to learn through interaction, updated assumptions, logical reasoning, exposure to new evidence, and argumentation, then you’ll have fun here. So, now that we’ve established the rules of engagement, what can you expect at this platform? First drafts of analytical pieces mostly on international politics and American democracy, but not only. Because they will be first drafts, hungry for your feedback! Personal, reflective essays inspired by my own historical experience at home and abroad Interaction with you in a structured, meaningful dialogue via chat sessions and other means. Together we learn and grow. Source