The World Without US

Mitch Anderson's speculative pseudo-documentary The World Without US purports to raise serious questions about current U.S. foreign policy, but does so in such a simplistic fashion that it seems designed to justify the status quo rather than engender thoughtful debate. The film's stated intention is to test the argument that we should reconsider—in light of the nation's domestic needs—our huge commitments of money and military personnel to maintain peace and stability in diverse areas of the world. The narrative posits a fictional presidential candidate who's elected on what can only be termed a platform of old-fashioned isolationism, and then suggests that his withdrawal of U.S. forces from foreign locales will inevitably lead to destruction (here, a Chinese nuclear attack on Taiwan brought about by the removal of American bases in Japan). To buttress the claim, the film also follows a supposed Romanian refugee from Soviet tyranny who journeys to various international hot spots where U.S. soldiers are stationed, jovially demonstrating that in each case American withdrawal would cause chaos, while simultaneously implying that U.S. policy worldwide is based on the most altruistic of motives. As if his pronouncements weren't enough, controversial British author Niall Ferguson is on hand here to reinforce the point. Granted, the proper role of America in international affairs is certainly an issue that would benefit from honest discussion, but by framing the topic in all-or-nothing terms, The World Without US doesn't do it justice. Not recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)