America Unhinged.

The article discusses U.S. foreign-policy elites' perceptions of threats to U.S. security, with a particular focus on U.S. military and political relations with Egypt and Syria. According to the author, U.S. strategy in these countries is based on erroneous beliefs surrounding their strategic importance to the U.S. and the ability of the U.S. to successfully intervene in Egyptian and Syrian politics. The author stresses the continued strength and security of America's position in global politics and expresses concern over the economic and human costs of such interventions. It is suggested that the principle of self-determination should form an important part of U.S. foreign policy.