We can't single-handedly save the world, at least not any time soon. We have to pick our battles, and deal with tyrants one by one (unless we are drawn directly into a larger war). This business of a global "revolution" is Hitchensian; it's far to utopian for most FReepers.
Our best bet is to move slowly, and carefully, and morally--to avoid the mistakes of past foreign policy. As long as we remain the strongest, richest, most advanced country on Earth, people will respect us. Our values will continue to spread.
But don't think our values will reign supreme over all humanity any time soon. I suggest you read The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order by Samuel Huntington. Other people aren't about to completely give up their cultures any time soon.
We will succeed in Iraq because the culture of the government in that countries is so horrible right now, but our values will not spread so readily elsewhere. We need to move slowly, and intervene where it will make us long-term friends (like the Albanians, and now the Iraqis).
xm177e2:
I would point out if I may, Sir, that we agree on the ends. We are merely cozignant of the delicacy of the necessary means....
The ideals of America are indeed the best hope for the future of humanity. I, personally, do not see any other nation or culture stepping up to the plate with any sort of realistic believability.
It is a matter of care how we accomplish it, yes. Absolutely. And what will give us global success over generations is the strength of our ideas, not our wealth or our forces.
Best regards,
Robert Teesdalewww.teesdale.com