'Old Folks', International Affairs, and the continuing influence of H. Kissinger

So, today I saw Professor Suri at the Edgewater. He gave a lecture regarding his new book, Henry Kissinger and the American Century, a look through primary documents - transcripts, letters, and a series of interviews with Kissinger himself. He gave a very interesting lecture, and I could summarize it here, but I think the book covers many of the points that he discussed, so I'll leave that to you. He made two points that really stuck with me:

1. Our educational system focuses too much on produces policymakers and businesspeople (i.e, technical professionals) and not enough on international citizens and regional specialists and,

2. We need to draw a line between ourselves and dictatorial leaders in these countries whose support we rely on - especially those countries who are receiving financial aid. Egypt and Pakistan are contemporary examples, illustrating the continuation of the Kissinger doctrine.

Beyond those points, which I think need rapid rectification, the lecture made me realize something else which was very interesting. There is a gap in intellectual participation, and it's weakening our country. The Council for Foreign Affairs sponsored this event. The majority of the participants were older. I have nothing against the experienced, wise, critical members of this group. I just wish that there were young participants. A community of mentors who would bring in young people to these sorts of programs and lectures would probably have a positive effect on the entire community of international relations specialists.