Project for the New American Century~Capitalism in Action

Statement of Principles

They have allowed differences over tactics to obscure potential 
agreement on strategic objectives. And they have not fought for a 
defense budget that would maintain American security and advance 
American interests in the new century. 


We aim to change this. We aim to make the case and rally support for 
American global leadership.

As the 20th century draws to a close, the United States stands as 
the world's preeminent power. Having led the West to victory in the 
Cold War, America faces an opportunity and a challenge: Does the 
United States have the vision to build upon the achievements of past 
decades? Does the United States have the resolve to shape a new 
century favorable to American principles and interests?

We are in danger of squandering the opportunity and failing the 
challenge. We are living off the capital -- both the military 
investments and the foreign policy achievements -- built up by past 
administrations. Cuts in foreign affairs and defense spending, 
inattention to the tools of statecraft, and inconstant leadership 
are making it increasingly difficult to sustain American influence 
around the world. And the promise of short-term commercial benefits 
threatens to override strategic considerations. As a consequence, we 
are jeopardizing the nation's ability to meet present threats and to 
deal with potentially greater challenges that lie ahead.

We seem to have forgotten the essential elements of the Reagan 
Administration's success: a military that is strong and ready to 
meet both present and future challenges; a foreign policy that 
boldly and purposefully promotes American principles abroad; and 
national leadership that accepts the United States' global 
responsibilities.

Of course, the United States must be prudent in how it exercises its 
power. But we cannot safely avoid the responsibilities of global 
leadership or the costs that are associated with its exercise. 
America has a vital role in maintaining peace and security in 
Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. If we shirk our responsibilities, 
we invite challenges to our fundamental interests. 

The history of the 20th century should have taught us that it is 
important to shape circumstances before crises emerge, and to meet 
threats before they become dire. The history of this century should 
have taught us to embrace the cause of American leadership.
Our aim is to remind Americans of these lessons and to draw their 
consequences for today. 

Here are four consequences:

? we need to increase defense spending significantly if we are to 
carry out our global 
responsibilities today and modernize our armed forces for the future;

? we need to strengthen our ties to democratic allies and to 
challenge regimes hostile to our interests and values;

? we need to promote the cause of political and economic freedom 
abroad;

? we need to accept responsibility for America's unique role in 
preserving and extending an international order friendly to our 
security, our prosperity, and our principles. 

Such a Reaganite policy of military strength and moral clarity may 
not be fashionable today. But it is necessary if the United States 
is to build on the successes of this past century and to ensure our 
security and our greatness in the next. 


http://www.newamericancentury.org/statementofprinciples.htm