Quick Thought

In a May Newsweek article, Jeff Stein and Jonathan Broder used ancient Rome as an example  in defense of President Obama’s policy of American distance from Middle Eastern politics. Unfortunately, Stein and Broder misread Roman imperial policy. As I’ve explained, “Rome’s caution wasn’t all-defining but instead calibrated to occasional, vigorous interaction. Rome forged or co-opted allies, and deterred foes in the looming shadow of its greater power.”