events 2008

The debate was organized by the Center for Security Studies of Charles University

Debate About Candidates’ Foreign Policy at American Center

June 18, 2008

Prominent Czech think-tanks specializing in U.S. foreign policy held their first debate about the foreign policy and security strategies of presidential candidates at the American Center. The debate was organized by the Center for Security Studies of Charles University (CESES). In opening the discussion, Prof. Otto Pick of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs singled out the continuity of the US foreign policy, whether a Democrat or Republican occupies the White House.

Professor Milos Calda of Charles University agreed with the proposition and cited evidence from this year’s primary season, analyzing statements by Clinton, Obama, and McCain. Other speakers pointed out that the state of current affairs in the world is changing at such a rapid pace that whichever new administration comes to power, its policies will in part be conditioned by this fact. Jiri Schneider, Program Director of the think-tank PSSI, predicted that the new American president will have to emphasize ‘realism’ in the formulation of U.S. foreign policy and promote U.S. national interests in a more circumscribed way.

Speakers also stressed that U.S.-European relations must continue to evolve and strengthen. The audience, including academicians, diplomats, and students seemed to enjoy the debate; Center Director Miroslav Konvalina is keen on continuing the debate forum, which he has dubbed Decision 2008.