Portrait of Hans J. Morgenthau by O. Donnandi.

Portrait of Hans J. Morgenthau by O. Donnandi.

Morgenthau Lecture: The Future of the United States as a Great Power

May 26, 1996

Renowned International Herald Tribune columnist William Pfaff points to the danger the United States will face if it continues to hark back to a mythical, isolationist past. He urges American leaders to take up the moral and political responsibility demanded of a great power, which includes encouraging the nation's citizens to remain informed about the wider world.

You may also like

APR 10, 2026 Report

Reflections from Uehiro-Carnegie Endowment for Future Generations Study Tour of Japan

Access this report from the Uehiro-Carnegie Endowment for Future Generations study tour, in which Carnegie Council fellows and staff reflect on their trip to Japan.

Pentagon from above

APR 9, 2026 Article

Realism vs. Pragmatism: Understanding America’s New Rhetorical Landscape

Amid Trump's fiery rhetoric and debates over "realism," Professor Jason Ralph writes that "pragmatism" may offer a better alternative for the American public.

APR 2, 2026 Podcast

The Gaslighting of America, with Professor Mathias Risse

What is fueling the post-truth era? Why is it working? Harvard's Mathias Risse argues that gaslighting has become a dominant rhetorical force in American politics.

Not translated

This content has not yet been translated into your language. You can request a translation by clicking the button below.

Request Translation