April 17, 2003

America's foreign and defense policy are out of control. Since 2001, its leaders have advanced a new strategic vision of America's role in the world. They have set forth disturbing principles for American foreign policy. And they have fought for - and secured - a defense budget that will maintain American security and advance American interests in the new century.

We aim to change this. We aim to make the case, and rally support, for a new American Civil War as a means of bringing the current American administration (and the mindset that supports it) to its knees.

As the 20th century drew to a close, the United States stood as the world's preeminent power. Having led the West to victory in the Cold War, America faced an opportunity and a challenge: Did the United States have the vision to build upon the achievements of past decades? Did the United States have the resolve to shape a new century favourable to the world's people - and not just American principles and interests?

The US administration seems to have forgotten some fundamental lessons that they should have learnt from past wars and empires past: that the creation of a powerful standing army will tend to lead to tyranny; that pursuing a foreign policy that promotes American principles - at the expense of other cultures and people - will create enmity abroad; and that the use of force will beget more violence, not less.

If we shirk our responsibilities, this threat will only grow. The history of the 20th century should have taught us that it is important to shape circumstances before crises emerge, and to meet threats before they become dire. The history of the last century should have taught us that we have to defeat the cause of American hegemony. And it's going to be a hell of a lot easier for the rest of us if they end up fighting it out amongst themselves.