This analysis reviews pivotal U.S. foreign policy decisions over 250 years, ranking them by their historical impact on global stability and American leadership. Key successes—such as the Marshall Plan, the creation of NATO, and the establishment of the Bretton Woods system—are attributed to proactive diplomacy and institutional building that stabilized post-war international order. The findings suggest that effective U.S. strategy relies heavily on establishing multilateral frameworks and managing geopolitical risks through careful statecraft. Ultimately, the article implies that historical analysis guides policy by emphasizing the necessity of strategic alliances and economic cooperation to maintain global influence.
Scaling sustainable edtech innovations in South and Southeast Asia
English Summary
The Brookings report argues that edtech scaling in South and Southeast Asia is often driven by political signaling, donor pressure, and short-term feasibility rather than robust evidence or long-term educational sustainability. This misalignment results in disjointed edtech ecosystems that risk exacerbating existing learning inequities instead of solving them. For systemic transformation to occur, the report advises that governments, donors, and tech providers must shift their focus toward strategic, evidence-based decision-making. Ultimately, successful policy requires aligning technology deployment with deep educational needs to ensure genuine impact for marginalized learners.
中文摘要
布魯金斯報告指出，南亞和東南亞的教育科技（edtech）規模化擴展，往往是由政治訊號、捐助者壓力以及短期可行性所驅動，而非基於穩健的證據或長期的教育永續發展。這種目標上的不一致導致了零散的教育科技生態系統，反而有加劇現有學習不平等的風險，而非解決它們。為實現系統性的轉型，報告建議政府、捐助者和技術提供商必須將重點轉向策略性且循證的決策制定。最終而言，成功的政策需要將技術部署與深層次的教育需求相結合，以確保對邊緣化學習者的真正影響。
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This CFR project analyzes two and a half centuries of U.S. foreign policy decisions, arguing that historical patterns offer crucial lessons for current strategic challenges. The core finding, derived from surveys of leading historians, identifies the Marshall Plan as the consensus best decision due to its stabilizing role in post-WWII Europe and its humanitarian impact. These findings imply that successful long-term U.S. strategy often involves large-scale diplomatic investments aimed at rebuilding key international partners or promoting regional stability. Policymakers should view historical success not just through military action, but through sustained efforts to stabilize global systems.
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While the US has opted not to renew the USMCA for a full term, triggering an annual review process until 2036, this non-renewal does not signal the end of North American integration. The continued economic dependence—which supports trillions in trade and millions of jobs—makes withdrawal highly unlikely despite political tensions and tariff threats. Strategically, businesses must prepare for prolonged uncertainty and protracted negotiations across multiple sectors (e.g., auto rules, digital trade). Policymakers should focus on managing the ongoing review process to mitigate supply chain disruption and address shared concerns regarding Chinese overcapacity in the region.
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Manufacturing firms are grappling with unprecedented uncertainty due to the simultaneous confluence of major global forces, including AI adoption, geopolitical conflicts, trade tariffs, and energy volatility. This combination of technological disruption and macro-economic instability presents significant headwinds that challenge traditional business models and supply chain resilience. The discussion emphasizes that navigating this 'megachange' requires coordinated policy solutions developed by convening diverse stakeholders—academia, industry, and government—to build sustainable national strategies for the future.
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The article traces U.S. foreign policy over 250 years, arguing that American history is defined by recurring tensions between protecting national self-interest and articulating stated ideals. Key evidence highlights how the US has navigated this tension through strategic actions—such as securing alliances (France), establishing regional authority (Monroe Doctrine), and expanding territory via diplomacy or conflict (Louisiana Purchase). The enduring policy challenge, therefore, remains determining when to intervene in foreign conflicts, how to balance moral principles with strategic needs, and managing the responsibilities inherent in growing global power. These historical dilemmas continue to shape modern American geopolitical strategy.