Politics

Should the US military be involved in foreign affairs?

WRITTEN BY
08/13/21
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Fact Box

  • During the first 50 years of the United States, diplomats were “guided by the idea that the United States should observe political isolation from European powers during peacetime and maintain strict neutrality during periods of war.” 
  • America became a superpower in 1898 when it decided to aid the Cuban resistance in the fight for freedom from Spain. The Treaty of Paris gave Cuba its independence and also ceded the Spanish possessions of Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Guam to the US. 
  • According to a 2019 Gallup poll, 18% of US adults think America spends “too much” on foreign military spending, while 21% think it spends “too little.” 
  • Between 2001 and 2019, the US wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan cost the American taxpayer $6.4 trillion.

Belvin (Yes)

The US contributes the most military foreign aid to other countries in the world. This means we provide struggling nations with money, technical assistance, and other commodities. Historically, military intervention in world affairs received bipartisan support, with Republican and Democratic presidents being proponents. This isn't a waste of taxpayer dollars; the military provides security in exchange for trade deals and foreign influence. This gives the US an edge over certain resources. Frequently, military personnel is at the front of US diplomacy, and according to a survey, people generally view troops stationed in their country positively. 

The US military has been a key player in diplomacy and the spread of democracy, providing strength to organizations like NATO or the United Nations. In areas that have a long-term military presence, studies suggest it actually enhances that region economically. If the US military wasn't there, chances are a more nefarious force would be.

Military intervention was essential in ending foreign conflicts during World War II and has since been trying to spread American ideals while fighting Communist and terrorist threats to security. The US isn't the only country to use its military to influence the world, either. For years, the Soviet Union tried a similar strategy, and in recent times, China is doing the same thing in Africa and Latin America. 

As globalization continues and other countries rise in strength, the world stage needs US intervention more than ever before. A return to isolationism would hurt America's alliances and damage economies domestically and abroad. The military is essential in maintaining world order and keeping the peace. Otherwise, there would be endless regional conflicts for control.  

 

Gloria (No)

George Washington expressed it best in 1796, 'It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliance with any portion of the foreign world.' American infrastructure, social programs, and the economy as a whole suffer when taxpayer money is sent to foreign lands. In the 202 fiscal year, the year of the global pandemic, the US Government appropriated $42 billion on worldwide foreign assistance. Meanwhile, US citizens back home struggled to pay their rent. 

Globalist ideology keeps the US in endless conflicts worldwide, spending money the nation does not have. Again in 2020, America borrowed $717,369,374 and spent the money on Syria. Now in 2021, President Biden has started dropping bombs in Syria. One year the US sends financial aid; the next year, it bombs the same country. How does this calculate?

Saudi Arabia, an oil-rich nation, is top on the list of dictatorships that receive American tax money and military support. There is even evidence that Saudi Arabia government officials were behind the September 11th attack on US soil which left thousands of Americans dead.  

Americans deserve to have their interest and welfare put above any other country's needs. Foreign aid would better be administered through charitable organizations where generous Americans could donate. Military involvement should only be the outcome of proper declaration of war as outlined in the US Constitution. Allowing foreign alliances to distort and change American allegiance is not the way to strengthen the country. Too bad US leaders have ignored George Washington's warning. America has not steered clear of foreign involvement; sadly, Americans continue to pay the price in blood and money.

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