Foreword

Our issue's theme, when first introduced for discussion, was suggested as a look at the global trend towards religiously-influenced conservative political parties. The topic was quickly expanded beyond politics to encompass broader ideas and trends: the seeming rise of religious conservatism globally, the threat to and retreat of economic conservatism as a result of the global financial crisis, and the unsettled impact of increasing interconnectedness on social conservatism. Ultimately, we sought to explore the state of conservatism and its future, whether in jeopardy or thriving, under our broad themes.

We never expected to reach a definitive conclusion on the fate of conservatism. The endeavor itself is foolish considering the breadth of the concept, but also because trends are rarely so conveniently linear. Still, the developments of the moment are deeply meaningful and need to be understood and debated. Therefore, we have aimed to include some of the most interesting and important topics, cases, and perspectives across the globe today.

Our issue begins with the section, "Perspectives on American Conservatism." In the first piece economist John Williamson identifies the central tenets of conservative economic thought, offering both support and critique of those ideas. Joshua Muravchik, formerly of AEI and currently a fellow at SAIS's Foreign Policy Institute, follows with an explanation, assessment, and defense of neo-conservatism. William Poole, former president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, concludes with a libertarian interpretation of the financial crisis.

The next section is "Country and Regional Case Studies." Dmitri Trenin, director of the Carnegie Moscow Center, looks at conservative modernization in Russia. Yousra Fazili, Senior Consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton, writes on the political tension in Iran. Professor Jens Rydgren (Stockholm University) analyzes the success of conservatism in Denmark versus its failure in Sweden. Former Japanese diplomat, Professor Kazuhiko Togo (Kyoto Sangyo University), illuminates the assertive conservative right in Japan. Finally, Professor Andrew Chesnut (Virginia Commonwealth University) discusses the rise of charismatic Christianity in Latin America.

The final section, "Comparing the United States and Europe," does just that in two theoretical pieces by Professors Peter Lawler (Berry College) and Michael Zoeller (Bayreuth University-Germany).

Next, in our "Responses" section, Professor Mahmood Mamdani (Columbia University) responds to a review of his book, Saviors and Survivors by Sean Brooks of the Save Darfur Coalition which appeared in our previous issue.

Four book reviews follow. Former CIA deputy and acting director and current SAIS professor John McLaughlin reviews James Mann's The Rebellion of Ronald Reagan: A History of the End of the Cold War. Foreign service officer and current fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations Rachel Schneller reviews Thomas Ricks's The Gamble: General David Petraeus and the American Military Adventure in Iraq, 2006-2008. SAIS professor Luis Marques reviews John Be Taylor's Getting Off Track: How Government Actions and Interventions Caused, Prolonged, and Worsened the Financial Crisis. SAIS professor John Karaagac reviews William E. Scheuerman's Morgenthau: Realism and Beyond.

Our issue concludes with the winning submissions to our biannual SAIS Prize competition: Iwan Davies for his essay on the impact of the economic crisis on developing countries, Andre Castillo for his review of Shahriar Mandanipour's Censoring an Iranian Love Story, and Jared Katz for his photo essay of Nepal.

As always, we are deeply indebted to our advisory board, headed by SAIS Dean Jessica Einhorn, for their time and support. In particular, we would like to thank Professor Francis Fukuyama who was instrumental in shaping our thinking on this issue from the beginning. Professor Fukuyama has been a committed member of The SAIS Review advisory board for years and we wish him the very best going forward.