Statecraft in a Fractured World: Alliances, Power, and America’s Role on the Global Stage
JUDJ-Prepared Summary from April 2, 2025 Program | Statecraft: Donald Trump and the Prospects for the Middle East and US Foreign Policy in 2025
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, veteran diplomat and Middle East peace negotiator Ambassador Dennis Ross offered a deep dive into the ideas behind his latest book, Statecraft 2.0: What America Needs to Lead in a Multi-Polar World. Drawing from decades of experience, including service under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, Ross laid out how the United States can still lead internationally—if it harnesses both hard and soft power, strengthens alliances, and avoids the pitfalls of unilateralism. From Gaza to Ukraine and beyond, Ross explained why smart diplomacy matters more than ever.
Redefining Leadership in a Multi-Polar Era
Ross began by describing the essential elements of good statecraft: defining clear objectives and matching them to available means. In today’s world—marked by rising Chinese influence, a resurgent Russia, and complex regional conflicts—America can no longer act as the lone superpower. Instead, Ross argues, the U.S. must work through coalitions, institutions, and diplomatic leverage.
Soft power, he emphasized, is crucial. “It’s the source of attraction,” Ross said. When America’s goals align with global consensus, legitimacy and implementation become far easier. This, he warned, is a tool that recent U.S. leaders have sometimes neglected.
Lessons from Gaza: Soft Power in Action
Ross illustrated these principles using the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He pointed to efforts by Arab nations like the UAE and Egypt, which have shown a willingness to invest in Gaza’s reconstruction—but only if Hamas is removed and the Palestinian Authority undergoes reform. The U.S. could play a key role in coordinating this process, using its influence to shape a post-war outcome that promotes both stability and development.
The Trump administration, Ross noted, has leverage—over Israel, Egypt, and other stakeholders. But success will depend on a willingness to engage multilaterally and to coordinate with partners. “Going it alone,” Ross warned, “won’t work in Gaza or anywhere else.”
Ukraine: A Test of U.S. Leverage and Alliances
Ross expanded the conversation to another global hotspot: Ukraine. Here, the U.S. has provided over $119 billion in aid, while Europe has committed even more. But support for Ukraine isn’t just about money—it’s also about influence. Russia, Ross pointed out, is vulnerable. It has suffered hundreds of thousands of casualties, faces severe economic strain, and relies on countries like Iran and North Korea for military support.
The key, Ross argued, is using leverage. For example, he proposed that if Russia fails to negotiate in good faith, the U.S. and its allies could release $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction—a move with real economic and political consequences for Putin.
The High Cost of Unilateralism
Ross warned that rejecting alliances comes at a steep price. He noted that unilateralism—a preference for acting alone without international obligations—has deep roots in American political tradition. But in today’s interconnected world, it’s a dangerous strategy. If the U.S. turns its back on its allies, there may come a day when it needs them—and they won’t pick up the phone.
He explained that democracies are natural partners. When the U.S. leads in support of shared values, like rule of law and peaceful conflict resolution, it strengthens a global system that benefits everyone—including Americans at home.
The Case for a Strong America
Ross closed with a broader reflection from Statecraft 2.0: a strong, engaged America is essential for global stability. While he acknowledged the U.S. has made mistakes and sometimes overreached, he emphasized that its alliances are voluntary—proof that American leadership is still welcomed.
“When the U.S. doesn’t organize to address threats, no one else does,” he said. That vacuum can be filled by malign actors. In a world full of challenges—from war to economic instability to climate shocks—America’s role remains indispensable. But to lead effectively, it must recommit to strategic diplomacy, shared values, and the hard work of statecraft.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.