Скачать или смотреть Briefing 2.0: U.S. National Interests

This video is a question for the third State Departments Briefing 2.0 on 12/10/2008; I may be too late in posting this but hopefully not.

I am a big fan of this project as it creates an enhanced and bidirectional channel for the sharing of information and offers the potential for growth in public understanding of foreign policy issues. Further, I think that it offers a model for one tool toward political reform in the Middle East based upon the Arab tradition of the Majlis.

Of course, I know the answers to these questions, but I think that it is important that the State Department be public, explicit, and detailed on this issue. If an answer is given, but is inadequate, I may provide the correct answer for the benefit of my subscribers.

Before anyone asks in comments: Yes, that is Shadow's tail at 20 seconds, because he is such a camera hound; also, he is in search of TheGiggler1.

The script for my question follows:

I am Jim from Virginia.

Substantial public confusion exists both internationally and domestically about American foreign policy.

This can be mitigated by explicitly expounding on something fundamental, which has been the basis for continuity and bipartisanship in our policy.

U.S. national interests, in general, what are they?

What is the relationship between our interests and values?

How do our interests relate to policy?

What is the difference and hierarchy between our vital, important, and humanitarian interests?

Given multiple interests, how does linkage affect our negotiations with another country?

Finally, as a detailed example, what are Americas interest relative to Iran?

Given the broad nature of this inquiry, please provide references and links to relevant State Department publications.