Best of the Spectator Americano: 'The Case for American Power'
Apr 14, 2026
Shadi Hamid, political analyst and author focused on the Middle East and democracy, makes a succinct case for sustained American power. He debates limits of force, the erosion of soft power, U.S.-Israel leverage, and how recent events test American influence. He also reflects on democracy promotion, regional perceptions, and the need for a hopeful foreign-policy vision.
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Acknowledge Limits And Avoid Ill-Planned Regime Change
- American power has limits and must avoid hubristic regime change without planning.
- Hamid accepts past mistakes like Iraq and opposed the Iran intervention for lacking a realistic day-after strategy.
Selective Interventions Have Prevented Genocide
- Some recent US interventions produced humanitarian gains despite flaws.
- Hamid cites the 1990s interventions in Kuwait, Bosnia and Kosovo as cases where US force helped stop mass atrocities.
Double Down On Diplomatic And Soft Power Tools
- Prioritise non-military instruments of power when possible.
- Hamid recommends diplomatic, cultural, and aid leverage to reshape situations without invasive military action.
