Eric Edelman: America’s Strategic Position, Great Power Competition, and the Liberal World Order

On America’s strategic position in the PostPostCold War era. Click "Show more" to view all chapters. For more conversations, visit

Chapter 1 (00:15 - 36:41): America's Strategic Position

Chapter 2 (36:41 - 1:14:01): Defending the Liberal Order

What role can America play in an increasingly complex and dangerous world—one in which America no longer maintains the overwhelmingly decisive advantage it enjoyed after the end of the Cold War? What steps must the United States take in order to improve its security and standing in a “Post-Post-Cold War" era? Why does American engagement abroad remain important for American safety and prosperity? In this Conversation, Eric Edelman of Johns Hopkins SAIS considers America’s strategic position today. Edelman highlights a clear decline in America’s military and diplomatic capacities as well as the growing strength of foreign competitors and rivals like Russia and China. To confront the challenge, Edelman calls for reforms in key institutions and practices—and a renewed commitment on the part of the American people to defend the liberal international order. This is a must-see Conversation for anyone interested in America’s role in the world.