US Role in Foreign Policy
The role of foreign policy in the United States is a widely disputed area ofpolitics. There are two distinct schools of thought that I believe, upon combining, willlead to a better approach to foreign policy. The first school of thought is hegemonicrealism, the second, prudent realism. Through these two approaches America will be ableto do a better job in helping other nations, while achieving our national interests. Theadvantage of combining these two schools is in a sense, combining the best of bothworlds. It is not my belief that this approach is in any way the best. However, I firmlybelieve that this is the best of our current options. When considering foreign policy we, (The US) must take into account andconstantly remind ourselves that the US makes up a small population of the world. Theimportance of this reminder is quite obvious. We can not without justification putnational interests ahead of our humanity. We have learned from mistakes in the past thatharsh reparations drive a country to instability, resulting in the rise of dangerous leaders.For instance, Adolf Hitler rose to power because of the harsh reparations after WW I. Theideals behind prudent realism stem fr
In conclusion, through a somewhat cut and paste style of combining prudentrealism to hegemonic realism, we can see how the US can shape the future of the worldwith the massive power we possess. The role of a self proclaimed worldwide policemen strikes fear into othernations, but the role of a good old stern grandmother sounds kind of appealing . This is a good thing because it acknowledges the fact that while it is ourobligation to help some people, we cannot help everyone. We have thisexemplified through the NATO intervention in Kosovo. We can not let dangerous leaders come into power, and it is a fear of many Americansthat if we ease off these rogue countries, then the chances of another Hitler coming topower are great. The rogue states are crumbling, givingthe fittest countries less to worry about. This is because of the inheritedresponsibilities that come with being a superpower. Prudent realism says we must have a limited doctrine of humanitarianintervention. After all, oil does not rain from the skies, and someone or some country is goingto have to pay the bills. Thinking "realistically" likethat, gives foreign policy the space it needs to accomplish the sad to say, "importantthings". One advantage is theacknowledgment that, we are the most powerful country on the planet. The exact details of what the categories are, areirrelevant. The chores of the US are those actsthat are both prudent/wise, and realistic in terms of the ends. Humanitarian disasters will be more successfully diminished when all life comesinto the national interests of the United States. This simple acknowledgment makesus fully aware of the importance of America and it's role in foreign policy.
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