Staff Writer
Foreign Policy
@John_Hudson

Events in Benghazi, Ukraine, Syria, and elsewhere have forced US policymakers to rethink the way the United States can wield its power. A recent Pew poll showed 53 percent of Americans believe the "US role today as world leaders is less important and powerful…than ten years ago." The poll cited several reasons for this, including the public's desire to focus more on domestic issues, frustrations with years of war, and a preference to not engage with the difficult foreign policy problems that face the United States and the international community.

Washington must figure out what elements of US power can be applied effectively to achieve its objectives around the world. Indeed, the US defense community now must consider some new questions: Is the 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review defense strategy appropriate to deal with the geopolitical environment? What elements of US power, other than military might, should be strengthened? How can the United States deal with diverse geographic hot spots in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe effectively? What role should the United States play in a world where its power is questioned at home and abroad?

To answer these and other questions, the Atlantic Council will convene fresh and innovative thinkers on this subject to gain new perspectives. Ranging from former US strategy-making insiders to columnists to private-sector leaders, these panelists will outline their diverse prescriptions to help address this power problem for the United States.