In recent years, the Democratic Party has been struggling to find its footing when it comes to foreign policy. While many Democrats have been critical of the endless wars and interventions of the past two decades, they have also struggled to offer a clear alternative. However, Matt Duss, former foreign policy adviser to Sen. Bernie Sanders, believes that an anti-war platform is not only possible, but necessary for the Democratic Party to win and bring about real change.
Duss, who now serves as the president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, has been a vocal advocate for a more restrained and principled approach to foreign policy. In a recent interview with The Intercept, he shared his insights on how Democrats can win on an anti-war platform and avoid becoming “war-monger presidents.”
The first step, according to Duss, is to acknowledge the failures of the past. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which were supported by both Democrats and Republicans, have cost trillions of dollars and resulted in countless lives lost. Duss argues that the American people are tired of endless wars and are looking for a new approach.
But simply being critical of past mistakes is not enough. Duss believes that Democrats must offer a clear and coherent alternative to the interventionist policies of the past. This means rejecting the false dichotomy of being either “hawks” or “doves” and instead advocating for a foreign policy that is guided by the principles of restraint, diplomacy, and respect for international law.
One of the key components of an anti-war platform, according to Duss, is a commitment to multilateralism. This means working with international organizations and allies to address global challenges, rather than relying solely on military force. Duss points to the Iran nuclear deal, which was negotiated with the support of the international community, as an example of successful multilateralism.
Another important aspect of an anti-war platform is a commitment to human rights and democracy. Duss argues that the United States cannot claim to be a champion of democracy while supporting authoritarian regimes and turning a blind eye to human rights abuses. He believes that Democrats must be consistent in their support for human rights, both at home and abroad.
But perhaps the most crucial element of an anti-war platform is a willingness to challenge the military-industrial complex. Duss notes that the defense industry has a significant influence on American foreign policy, often pushing for more military interventions and increased defense spending. Democrats must be willing to stand up to this powerful lobby and prioritize the needs of the American people over the profits of defense contractors.
Duss also emphasizes the importance of educating the public about the true costs of war. While the financial costs are staggering, the human costs are often overlooked. Duss argues that Democrats must make a concerted effort to educate the public about the devastating impact of war on innocent civilians, as well as the toll it takes on American service members and their families.
But how can Democrats win on an anti-war platform? Duss believes that the key is to appeal to a broad coalition of voters who are tired of endless wars and are looking for a new approach to foreign policy. This includes not only progressive Democrats, but also independents and even some Republicans who are disillusioned with the interventionist policies of the past.
Duss also stresses the importance of grassroots organizing and mobilizing. He believes that Democrats must engage with voters at the local level and listen to their concerns about foreign policy. By building a strong grassroots movement, Democrats can demonstrate that there is a real appetite for a more restrained and principled approach to foreign policy.
In the end, Duss believes that Democrats can win on an anti-war platform and bring about real change. By rejecting the failed policies of the past and offering a clear alternative, Democrats can appeal to a broad coalition of voters and demonstrate that they are the party of peace and progress. It is time for Democrats to embrace an anti-war platform and lead the way towards a more peaceful and just world.
