In this piece, the author, speaking with Matt Duss, executive vice president of the Center for International Policy and advisor to progressive figures like Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, explores the implications and expectations surrounding a progressive foreign policy in the U.S. Duss recently attended the Munich Security Conference, providing timely insights into the current climate of global diplomacy and the potential influence of progressive politics.

The discussion highlights the ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party regarding foreign policy. Duss articulates that many traditional party members might still cling to outdated views, hoping to revert to past policies before the Trump administration's rise. This stance is critiqued as overly optimistic and disconnected from the current global realities. The piece underscores the need for the Democratic Party to define its vision for foreign affairs beyond a mere revival of previous strategies, advocating for a more progressive and forward-thinking approach.

Overall, the article posits that progressive foreign policy should prioritize modern challenges, including international diplomacy, climate change, and global inequality, while welcoming new voices and strategies. This fresh perspective could mark a pivotal shift in U.S. foreign relations, as progressive leaders work to reshape the narrative and align it with contemporary values and challenges facing the world today.