One of the most frequent criticisms of Americans is that they don’t understand world affairs and are unable to view global problems from differing perspectives. Mainers will have a chance to change this later this month when the Camden Conference focuses on U.S. foreign policy in the 21st century.

The conference, now in its 17th year, will explore how U.S. foreign policy has changed, and may continue to evolve, as the country reacts to challenges and threats from many realms. As America’s adversaries have changed from another single nuclear superpower to dispersed terrorist groups so too has the country’s power grown. A key issue to be debated during the three-day conference that begins Feb. 27 at the Camden Opera House is how that power should be used. For example, should America go it alone or engage more in multinational organizations and efforts? Another key question is how the United States can use its power and wealth to better the world.

This issue will be addressed by the conference’s keynote speaker, Robert Kaplan, a correspondent for the Atlantic Monthly. In a summer issue of the magazine, Mr. Kaplan suggested that it falls to the United States to tame an unruly world. He wrote that the United States has a limited time to develop the terms for international society before its imperialism fades. Other speakers are likely to challenge this notion, arguing that cooperative agreements with other countries are already in place and working and that the United States should not dictate global policy.

The fact that such a discussion is happening in mid-coast Maine is a testament to the region’s willingness to discuss and understand complex and often controversial issues. The fact that such a timely conference featuring former diplomats, international journalists, professors and policy advisers is open to the public is extraordinary.

Beyond the conference itself, organizers have scheduled accompanying events in several coastal communities and the University of Maine is offering a short course focused on the conference theme. Accompanying events include film and book discussions in libraries in Belfast, Camden, Rockport and Rockland, seminars in Blue Hill and Deer Isle and a series of foreign policy simulation games involving area youth. For more information about these events and the conference, visit the conference Web site at www.camdenconference.org or call 236-1034.

Area residents are fortunate to have such thought-provoking events in their midst. Debating the role and shape of America’s foreign policy with experts and fellow citizens is a sure way to warm up a winter weekend.