Global I.q. Minute With Jim Falk

Dr. Robert M. Gates brings his decades of observation and participation guarding the security of the nation to a fresh examination of the exercise and limitations of American power. Gates recently wrote in Foreign Affairs that “Most Americans want their country to stand for something beyond just military strength and economic success. They want it to be seen admiringly by others as the world’s strongest advocate for liberty.” He believes that a restructured and strengthened State Department would enable the U.S. to accept the burden of global leadership, in a manner that reduces risk for the nation. Kirkus Reviews said of Gates’ new book, “It’s refreshing to see a secretary of defense call for the use of the military as a choice of last resort.” Robert M. Gates served as secretary of defense under presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. He was an officer in the U.S. Air Force and worked for the CIA before being appointed director of the agency. A member of the National Security Council staff in four admi