The campaign for the U.S. presidency finally has veered in a more interesting direction. On a daily basis since Super Tuesday, dozens of people have contacted me to express similar thoughts. Especially on the Democratic side, the contest has turned into a real competition.

To generate even more appeal, the candidates in both parities – and others who may join the fray – should quit wallowing in generalities and move to the next level. Americans need to hear substantive discussions and real debates, particularly on foreign policy and global affairs.

Last year, Dorothy J. Dueser Brown, a reader in Yorktown, Texas, came to symbolize for me the virtual absence of foreign policy exchanges in the campaign. She understandably wanted more. Indeed, given the world’s growing interdependence, Dorothy and other Americans should demand deeper thinking from their top leaders – especially the president and those who seek the job – on international matters, challenges and opportunities.

In terms of the campaign, Americans should insist that candidates develop and present detailed positions about the following, alphabetically listed issues that have a direct impact on the United States:

● Climate change. This towering problem, which is tied to energy use, affects everyone and urgently requires solutions. In addition to the prospect of devastating coastal flooding and unusually terrifying weather, climate change warns of massive migration, shortages, conflicts and civil violence.

● Economic turmoil. America’s economic malaise may seem like a national concern, but it is also worrisome to the world, which happens to hold part of the answer. Along with domestic fixes, Americans need to hear about initiatives that would help boost global economic opportunities, thereby benefiting the United States.

● Emerging powers. The United States has been mighty for so long – not to mention the sole superpower for nearly two decades – that it has trouble dealing with rising centers of influence, such as China and India. This inevitability portends adjustments, but not necessarily dramatic U.S. decline.

● Globalization. Developing slowly and almost unnoticed over the millennia, this phenomenon now accelerates at a dizzying pace. Despite the naysayers pronounced globalization dead on Sept. 11, it will continue to agitate the world in ways good and bad and requires close monitoring.

● Health crises. Whether the topic is pandemics, less widespread but still deadly diseases that ravage humankind, or other health needs at home and abroad, this issue calls out for global vigilance, cooperation and remedies.

● Human-rights violations. For all the progress, human rights still languish. It is a particular travesty that human trafficking has climbed to historical heights, with no nation escaping blame. Attentiveness, outspokenness and action are essential.

● Illegal immigration. Contrary to popular belief, this issue does not defy solution. To shape a consensus, Americans must decide how to move undocumented immigrants toward legal status, toughen border security and crack down on U.S. employers of illegal immigrants.

● Middle East conflict. From the interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan to Arab-Israeli tensions, Americans need a clearer sense of direction. Despite past missteps, it serves U.S. interests to promote democracy and facilitate enduring regional settlements.

● Terrorism. This global scourge is here to stay for some time, and Americans must devise a long-term plan to deal with it, not to achieve absolute victory, which is impossible, but to confront the danger realistically, creatively and relentlessly.

● U.S. role in the world. From Africa to the Americas to Asia to the Middle East, nations historically turned to the United States for inspiration and leadership. Though expanding anti-Americanism has jeopardized that role, a sincere, sustained effort to expand common ground and ease animosities could turn the tide.

Candidates, are you listening?