01-03-08, 05:18 AM
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#25 (permalink)
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| Sage
Join Date: May 2007 Last Online: Today 07:33 AM
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Awards:  | Re: Role of the USA should be?
Quote:
Originally Posted by UtahBill  Speak softly and carry a big stick? World policeman? Supplier of welfare to the third world? Shining beacon on the hill? Stay home and let the rest of the world take care of itself? Dumping ground for the world's refugees?
IMHO, we should do a lot less of all the things we are doing, and when someone needs our help, it should be done proportionate to how well they treat us. Enemies need not apply for aid of any sort.
But I am open to other opinions. I am hoping for some good responses from other nations here. | My best response is to suggest anyone serious about this commendable thread topic should take a look at this report (PDF download) or watch the video. Here's an excerpt from a Washington Post article. Quote: Why So Angry, America?
The United States is strongest when it is most engaged with the world.
By Richard L. Armitage and Joseph S. Nye Jr.
Sunday, December 9, 2007;
The world is dissatisfied with American leadership. Shocked and frightened after 9/11, we put forward an angry face to the globe, not one that reflected the more traditional American values of hope and optimism, tolerance and opportunity.
This fearful approach has hurt the United States' ability to bring allies to its cause, but it is not too late to change. The nation should embrace a smarter strategy that blends our hard and soft power -- our ability to attract and persuade, as well as our ability to use economic and military might. Whether it is ending the crisis in Pakistan, winning the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, deterring Iran and North Korea's nuclear ambitions, managing China's rise or improving the lives of those left behind by globalization, the United States needs a broader, more balanced approach.
Lest anyone think this approach is weak or naive, remember that Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates used a major speech on Nov. 26 "to make the case for strengthening our capacity to use 'soft' power and for better integrating it with 'hard' power." We -- one Republican, one Democrat -- have devoted our lives to promoting American preeminence as a force for good in the world. But the United States cannot stay on top without strong and willing allies and partners. Over the past six years, too many people have confused sharing the burden with relinquishing power. In fact, when we let others help, we are extending U.S. influence, not diminishing it.
Read More
From the Washington Post December 9, 2007
Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) |
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OBL 11/24/02 |
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