Paul, in anti-isolationist speech, calls for ‘conservative realism’

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) laid out his foreign policy vision in a Thursday night speech, arguing for “conservative realism” and trying to counter critics who call him isolationist. 

{mosads}”We need a foreign policy that recognizes our limits and preserves our might, a common-sense conservative realism of strength and action,” Paul said in a speech at the Center for the National Interest in New York, according to his prepared remarks. 

Paul, considered a likely presidential contender in 2016, has faced attacks from potential Republican primary contenders who call him isolationist. 

Paul sought to dispel those criticisms, arguing that there are circumstances where the U.S. should be engaged abroad and use force. 

“America should and will fight wars when the consequences — intended and unintended — are worth the sacrifice,” he continued. “The war on terror is not over, and America cannot disengage from the world.”

However, Paul also emphasized his views that the president needs congressional authorization for military action, including in the current operation against militants with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, and that the U.S. should have a clear end game in a conflict.

“America shouldn’t fight wars where the best outcome is stalemate,” he said. “America shouldn’t fight wars when there is no plan for victory. America shouldn’t fight wars that aren’t authorized by the American people.