Why Foreign Policy Begins at Home: a talk by Richard N. Haass May 9, 2013

Richard N. Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations will outline “Why Foreign Policy Begins at Home”at The Cooper Union. Haass contends that the United States must sharply limit its engagement in foreign wars and humanitarian interventions in order to reclaim its role as the primary director of global events -- rather than being shaped by them -- and maintain that role in a world of unprecedented chaos and constant crisis.

Haass has served as the president of the Council on Foreign Relations since July of 2003. He was the director of policy planning for the Department of State, lead U.S. official on Afghanistan and Northern Ireland (2001-2003), and principal Middle East adviser to President George H.W. Bush (1989-93). He is the author or editor of eleven books on U.S. foreign policy, including War of Necessity, War of Choice: A Memoir of Two Iraq Wars. Haass’ latest book is Foreign Policy Begins at Home: The Case for Putting America's House in Order.

This lecture is made possible by the Benjamin Menschel Distinguished Lectureship, established with a generous grant from The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation. In its 12th year, this highly regarded lecture series has provided a public platform for some of the most renowned scientists, historians, economists and intellectuals of our time. In addition to this program, The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation helped fund the construction of Cooper Union’s Student Housing, and endowed two programs that provide both faculty and student support, all in honor of Richard and Robert Menschel's father, Benjamin Menschel.

Doors open at 6 PM.

INFO: alumni@cooper.edu; 212-353-4164

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The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is a distinguished private college of art, architecture and engineering founded in 1859 by Peter Cooper, an inventor, industrialist and philanthropist.