When asked how to boost America’s educational competiveness, a staple response is the emphatic assertion that we need to be more like nation X.  But, just for a moment, let’s entertain the radical proposition that a better course is to tap into uniquely American strengths like federalism, entrepreneurial dynamism, and size and heterogeneity.

The Plundered Planet, by economist Paul Collier, offers a host of bold ideas regarding development economics and the environment, but ultimately fails to offer a convincing solution to climate change, as under current conditions, no such solution exists.

Although it creates only a slight reduction in the amount of solar energy absorbed by the Earth, solar radiation management should be a part of U.S. climate policy.

Appeasement failed with Adolf Hitler, and it will not work with North Korea's Kim Jong Il.

Climate change might pose a grave threat, but emissions containment is both costly and politically impractical, so climate engineering is beginning to look like the last best hope.

As the threats and challenges the United States faces in Asia evolve, we should work with South Korea and Japan's new leaders to launch a trilateral security initiative.

Gradually lowering greenhouse gas emissions would be worthwhile were all states to join in the effort, but absent such strong, broad-based action, countries should explore other means of limiting harm from climate change.

The author recalls a recent official visit to Pyongyang and outlines the lessons it holds for America's negotiations with North Korea today.