Questions to Debate About the Future

Foreign Policy Passport and The New York Times have both composed lists of what they would ask the candidates in the debates or in person. Passport has 20 questions for Sarah Palin and an additional 20 interview questions for both Senators McCain and Obama. Today’s New York Times asked its readers as well as leaders from around the world what they would like to know about each candidate’s foreign policy positions. GSI would like to take this opportunity to add a few more questions into the fray.

1. There is little question that we are facing a looming energy and environmental crisis where we are running out of clean, freshwater almost as quickly as we are running out of oil. How do you propose to collect more of each without hampering efforts to conserve the other?

2. Since the end of the Cold War, America has enjoyed the position of a hyperpower. Does the United States risk losing its position of hegemony? Is it important that we remain number one? Would a change in the international governance structure be possible, and if so, would it be beneficial for the United States in the long run?

3. America’s infrastructure is crumbling before our eyes. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that we need to invest $1.6 trillion to repair the system of roads, bridges, transport and power grids. What would you invest in first?

4. With the current financial crisis straining American banks what ideas would your administration propose to prevent future economic downturns?

Please let us know what long-term questions you have in mind.