A new PBS documentary will explore the timely question of “Is America in Retreat?” – and thanks to a local connection, area residents can get an early look at the film on Monday (March 6). Executive Producer Tom Skinner of Suttons Bay will be joined by Kip Perry (producer/director) and Elan Bentov (director/writer) when the film is shown at the State Theatre at 6pm as part of NMC’s International Affairs Forum. The filmmakers and IAF Co-Chair Jack Segal will hold a Q&A discussion following the screening.

The film is based on Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Wall Street Journal columnist Bret Stephens’s book America in Retreat: The New Isolationism and the Coming Global Disorder. Stephens, who appears in the movie, wrote it during and about the policies of the Obama administration, which he says seemed to distance the U.S. from a role as peacemaker and “world’s police.” Skinner believes the topic is even more salient now, given the Trump administration’s focus. “This was filmed a year ago. It’s far more relevant today than when it was filmed,” he says.

The film takes a look at American responses to situations and flash points around the world: the Middle East, the South China sea, Estonia and the Baltic area, Crimea and Ukraine. The filmmakers question what role the U.S. plays in the world in those and other situations. Should America serve as the world’s police? If so, how, and if not, what is the result? “When you watch the film, the question is ‘Should the United States be engaged or step back?’” says Perry.

Skinner and Perry boast lengthy careers in film and television. Skinner is an award-winning executive producer in both commercial and public broadcasting, most notably of National Geographic specials and Planet Earth.

Both say the film tries to be as balanced as possible while asking the tough questions. “It’s a good story. It’s provocative,” says Skinner. “It throws down the gauntlet on our foreign policy. Are we where we were before World War II or are we a strong ally to Western Europe?”

Karen Puschel Segal of the International Affairs Forum says the film is a great opportunity for the community to get the “big picture” of U.S. strategy, along with details about what the U.S. should or shouldn't be doing regarding Russia, China and the Middle East.

“The IAF sees this as an important part of our mission focused on education and public dialogue. Films are inherently powerful. In this case, it'll be like taking a mini-class while sitting in comfortable chairs and enjoying popcorn,” says Segal.

Given the anticipated crowd, the showing was moved from the usual IAF location at Milliken Auditorium to the State Theatre. Admission to the film is free; donations will be accepted for this year’s Academic WorldQuest high school team from Petoskey as it prepares to compete in Washington D.C. in April. 

“I would hope (viewers) get a taste of other people and the world, what they’re going through,” adds director Perry. “I hope it sheds some light, opens some eyes, and opens some hearts.” 

Pictured above: : Is America in Retreat? host Johan Norberg stands along the Narva River, which serves as an important boundary between Russia and Estonia and has seen centuries of conflict that continue today.
Credit: Elan Bentov