The Problem of Foreign Policy A Consideration of Present Dangers and the Best Methods for Meeting Them

In the wake of the Great War, the author wrestles with the deepening gap between lofty ideals and everyday political reality. He argues that peace is the world’s most urgent need, insisting that only a sincere revival of liberal principles—honesty, consistency, and fiscal prudence—can shield European societies from looming collapse. Drawing on the traditions of figures like Peel and Gladstone, he calls for a return to a public conduct that once anchored stable governance.

The essay then turns to the corrosive effects of wartime exigencies, citing disturbing examples of governmental deceit and brutality that have become normalized. It urges a higher standard for both foreign and domestic policy, echoing the promises of the newly formed League of Nations and a spirit of cooperation. By re‑examining the moral cost of war, the author sets the stage for a thoughtful discussion of how nations might rebuild without sacrificing principle.