Thu Sep 19 04:03:00 UTC 2024: ## US Foreign Policy Lacks “Mesure” in Ukraine Crisis, Warns Expert
**Washington, D.C. -** As tensions escalate in the Ukraine war, American foreign policy is facing criticism for its lack of restraint and strategic nuance, a condition that risks pushing the world closer to a direct confrontation between superpowers, warns James W. Carden, contributing editor for The American Conservative.
Carden argues that the US, instead of employing a measured approach reminiscent of Charles de Gaulle’s successful French foreign policy, is fixated on escalating the conflict, potentially risking a larger-scale war.
The recent approval of a $7.2 billion arms deal to Romania and discussions about providing Ukraine with long-range missiles that could strike deep inside Russia are cited as examples of this reckless escalation.
Carden warns that the US is ignoring the reality of a potentially disastrous outcome, prioritizing a symbolic victory for Ukraine over strategic stability. He points to a lack of “foresight, agility, and balance” in US foreign policy, which has been evident since the “War on Terror” era.
The author further criticizes the current administration’s unwavering support for Ukraine, which includes calls for regime change in Moscow and uncritical backing of the ongoing Israeli offensive against Palestinians. These actions demonstrate a disregard for discerning between core and peripheral national interests, he argues.
Carden draws parallels between the current situation and the “Gallic Mesure” of Charles de Gaulle, who emphasized a pragmatic approach to foreign policy, prioritizing national interests and avoiding unnecessary escalation. This contrasted with the American tendency towards “abstractions” and prioritizing symbolic victories over practical outcomes.
He concludes that the US needs to adopt a more nuanced approach, prioritizing strategic stability over symbolic victories. Failure to do so risks prolonging the conflict and ultimately leading to a catastrophic confrontation with Russia.
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