The Bush Doctrine

Over at Oliver Kamm's excellent blog, there's some provocative discussion going on (including yours truly), in light of the favorable assessment by historian John Lewis Gaddis of the infamous "Bush Doctrine" - the purportedly new security posture in which the United States explicitly reserves a right to defend itself via pre-emptive attacks.

Oliver is such a good writer, and he generally elicits considered comments from his readers, both pro and con, and the Gaddis piece has certainly touched off controversy on issues of great relevance to the invasion of Iraq and beyond, such as: the exigencies of Realpolitik, what it means to be "serious" about promoting Democracy 'round the world; the nature, function, and limits of International Law; and so on.

Especially take note of the points and rejoinders by Tim Newman, and commenters "Cosmo" and "BF." The "dissenters" also make their case well.