How to Restore World's Trust in US

The Bush administration has done wide-ranging damage to the US’ international image, pulling out of key treaties and unilaterally invading Iraq. The next president has got some work to do to restore its reputation, particularly in two areas: making a commitment to nuclear nonproliferation and setting a worldwide example in dealing with climate change, Clinton-era official Strobe Talbott advises in Der Spiegel.

The US should adopt a serious view to eventual disarmament, returning to the table with other nuclear powers and keeping in mind that resolving tensions with Iran is key to maintaining nuclear stability. And that’s the easy part; the real challenge is cutting greenhouse gases, starting with US self-regulation and incentives for other countries in the creation of a next-generation Kyoto treaty. (More climate change stories.)