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The Center for America’s Purpose (CAP) was launched to promote America’s leadership role in the world. Headed by Sagamore Institute Senior Fellow Alan W. Dowd, CAP identifies historical guideposts to bolster national-security strategy in the 21st century, applies the lessons of history to the challenges of today and seeks to remind the American people that as civilization’s first-responder and last line of defense, the United States is a force for good in the world. Drawing from history, CAP is idealistic about America’s purpose in the world, optimistic about what America and its allies can achieve in the world, and realistic about how and where to employ American power in the world. To share CAP’s message and mission with engaged citizens and policymakers, Dowd authors essays for leading magazines, journals and websites, and publishes Capstones, the Center’s monthly publication covering national defense and international security.

In Focus

Capstones: Putin's Premise for War Capsized by Ukraine

A year after Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian strongman’s pretext for war, basic premise of the war, and plans for how the war would progress have been exposed as false and deeply flawed. The primary reason for this welcomed turn of events is the courage of the Ukrainian people, who are teaching Putin a lesson about the power of free men and women fighting for a just cause—and re-reminding the Free World that freedom is not free.