“*The return of normalized relations has come, usually, due to diplomatic communication.*”
– David Mack, Vice President of the Middle East Institute

David Mack, Vice President of the Middle East Institute, visited the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee last Tuesday to discuss the direction of American foreign policy and our political leadership.

Mack contends that stability is positively influenced by communication. “The return of normalized relations has come, usually, due to diplomatic communication,” Mack said. “We spoke with the Soviet Union and it paid off; the results of communication, whether official or not, have also been shown with our relationship with Libya.”

Mack believes that speaking to our enemies is the best way to bring about change and improve relations. He points to Libya as an example of its effectiveness, and spoke of the country’s evolution from an unfriendly nation to an American ally post-Sept. 11.

“Our approach of sanctions and communication against Libya worked,” Mack said. “They aren’t a model of perfect democracy, but it’s a start; we wouldn’t have gotten anywhere without talking.”

Mack said it’s hard to see any downside to diplomatic dialogue, and argued the tactics should be used as a tool rather than a seal of approval.

In the case of the Middle East, Mack said America can’t always be in the lead, or appear to be in the lead. Mack highlighted our nation’s responsibility to talk with all of Iraq’s neighbors, regardless of the status of our relationship, in order to stabilize Iraq and the Middle East. Mack also stated that American influence in Iraq has declined while Iran’s has grown, emphasizing how much the U.S. has at stake in the region.

Mack said that Washington has relied excessively on military power, and that we need to return to the policy of Theodore Roosevelt, who was quoted as saying: "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."

Mack believes our recent and abrupt foreign policy “180” has damaged our credibility and made the U.S. less effective in negotiations.

“Keep the stick in the closet,” Mack said. “Our ability to back up our words with a ready force is monumental.”

Mack believes there must be a check and balance system placed on the use of paramilitary force.

He recognized our need to use paramilitary force when fighting an unconventional target like Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, but warned of such force spiraling out of control.

Mack’s solution was to set up a process by which those planning covert operations need to consult with members of Congress that have a very high accessibility to classified information, and who are in the position to say no to the executive branch if they choose to exercise their authority.

Mack also advocated a much humbler foreign policy with tools such as communication, sanctions, incentives and a powerful but seldom utilized military force, in order to normalize relations with our enemies of the moment.

In order to illustrate this point, Mack closed his speech with a quote by Sun Tzu, a legendary Chinese military strategist, “Military force is most impressive when you do not have to use it.”

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