Laura Smith | U.S.A & Global Leadership Debate | Proposition (1/8) | Oxford Union

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Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States has held a pre-eminent position in the Global Order. It has dominated the world stage diplomatically, economically, and militarily, leading the actions of NATO and the West in affairs ranging from Iraq to the financial crisis. However, as diplomatic power shifts from West to East, politicians on every continent are starting to question their nation’s position in relation to the United States, a process only accelerated by President Trump’s ‘America First’ foreign policy. Has time run out for American global leadership?

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Proposition Speakers

1. Rt. Hon. Sir Malcolm Rifkind KCMG QC

Former Secretary of State for Scotland, Defence Secretary, and Foreign Secretary under Thatcher and Major. He served as Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, providing oversight of MI5, MI6, and GCHQ.

2. Congresswoman Jane Harman

Former Democratic Congresswoman for California’s 36th congressional district and President of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. She was the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee and Homeland Security Committee’s intelligence subcommittee.

3. James Cleverly MP: Conservative MP for Braintree, and Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa. He served as Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party.

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Opposition Speakers

1. His Excellency Ambassador Andrey Kelin: Russian Ambassador to the UK. He has been in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1979, serving as the Deputy Permanent Representative to NATO and the Permanent Representative to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

2. Professor Amitav Acharya

Distinguished Professor of International Relations at American University, Washington DC, and author of The End of the American World Order. He has made major contributions to constructivism and Asian regionalism.

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