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CIAO DATE: 03/02
Introduction
We must remain strong and vigilant against the kinds of threats we have seen already throughout the 20th century — regional aggression and competition, bloody civil wars, efforts to overthrow democracies. But also, our security is challenged increasingly by non-traditional threats, from adversaries both old and new — not only hostile regimes, but also terrorists and international criminals, who cannot defeat us in traditional theaters of battle, but search instead for new ways to attack, by exploiting new technologies and the world's increasing openness . . . . We must approach these new 21st-century threats with the same rigor and determination we applied to the toughest security challenges of this century.
— President Clinton
Commencement Address
U.S. Naval Academy
May 22, 1998
This issue of U.S. Foreign Policy Agenda explores the security challenges facing the United States as a result of the dramatic changes in the world during the past several years. Key U.S. officials discuss the threat from nuclear and chemical/biological terrorism, the scope of the U.S. humanitarian demining initiative, and the importance of democracy-building in promoting regional security. A leading scholar assesses new U.S. foreign policy approaches for the 21st century, and two private sector experts examine the growing influence of nongovernmental organizations on U.S. policy. The journal includes a case study on humanitarian demining in Rwanda, a report on the program to destroy and dismantle nuclear and chemical weapons in the former Soviet Union, and an assessment of the progress of democratization in Central America, as well as a series of fact sheets on security issues.