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Where the Evidence Leads develops a new theory of "empirical realism" to enable the United States to respond more effectively to rising security threats than do present policies. It shows that more US security benefits are likely to result from maximizing the "causes" or correlates of peace than from maximizing US military power, the usual recommendation of US policymakers and "political realists." Ironically, a global grand strategy for human security, with US national security folded into it, is likely to produce more security for the United States than a national security policy pursued as an end in itself. Global human security policies can achieve sustainable peace in contexts where a national grand strategy for US security often fails.

The United States has undermined the effectiveness of the International Criminal Court by refusing to join or support the Court; by withholding support for UN peacekeeping unless US citizens are exempted from international enforcement arising out of such operations; by pressing other countries to sign treaties exempting US citizens from Court proceedings; by cutting US foreign assistance to selected countries unless they sign immunity agreements with Washington; and by holding victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity hostage to obtaining exemptions for US citizens. These US policies make it more difficult to enforce the laws prohibiting genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

Three recent developments threaten to undermine peace & weaken the tools of peacebuilding: (1) the danger of terrorist attacks similar to those of September 11, 2001; (2) the US endorsement of pre-emptive war to maintain US global dominance; & (3) the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Despite difficulties, the UN remains the most legitimate institution for developing a global grand strategy to address all these problems & respond to humanitarian emergencies. Those seeking to strengthen the tools of peace & the effectiveness of UN peace operations should: (1) encourage political leaders & civil societies to revive & respect international legal constraints on the use of collective violence by both states & non-state actors & (2) increase UN capabilities for peace operations, particularly by establishing a permanent, highly professional UN civilian police force to help address new security issues. 44 References. Adapted from the source document.