After the war in the Middle East, the Americans began to develop a sense of isolationism. They didn’t want to be involved in the affairs of other nations, especially when “we should be worrying about Americans first” America First is an ideology that the United States should focus inward, let the other nations work out their issues as we improve the US for Americans. “No regime change wars” and “no forever wars” are common phrases that come from this movement. While I understand the sentiment I believe that this movement is not looking at the big picture. Post 

World War 2, the United States emerged as one of the Super Powers. Assuming that position comes with responsibilities. Two of those responsibilities is maintaining the world order and keeping innocents safe. The United States for the most part did this. Maintained the world order after winning the Cold War and responding to please for help. USAID accomplished this goal through soft power. Soft power is a way of demonstrating strength through influence, attraction, and persuasion. Soft power was something that the United States did well. Every now and then hard power was needed in instances such as the Gulf War in the 90’s and funding the Ukrainians during the Russian invasion. Hard power should be the last resort. Let’s get back to soft power, this is something that the US did that kept people alive. Sending food to African nations that cost almost nothing to make but was able to feed millions, distribute healthcare to nations that needed it, and respond to natural disasters. These were all things that the United States employed daily. Other uses were negotiating conflicts. If India and Pakistan were to get into a skirmish the US President would be the first person to call each country. If Israel and Egypt are having a border dispute, the US is in the middle to negotiate the best outcome for both countries. If China is doing military exercises near the South China sea, the United States is there to reassure Japan and South Korea that all is well. The United States was also able to benefit greatly over these relationships. Major economic growth and investment since WW2 has built up the United States to the point where the poorest state has a better standard of living than most European countries. Now imagine a world where the United States is absent and only focuses inward. Another country would fill the void left by the United States. It may be the Europeans who step back in, doubtful though because Europe was incredibly weak after WW2. Maybe Russia and China will step up to build their anti-west forces. The United States probably does not thrive economically, the US dollar is not the world currency which means that the dollar is probably not worth that much. China and Russia control Africa, Russia annexes Ukraine and China invades Taiwan.  This is not something that would benefit the United States or the world. We are not a perfect nation but we have good morals and a strong mission. What makes our place as a leader in the world stronger is the relationship that we have with our allies. In just about every conflict the US has engaged in, the allies of the United States have been there fighting and dying with Americans. Countless Brits, French, Danes, and Canadians have fought alongside US forces. Humanitarian efforts are done jointly with allied nations because the allied nations believe that those who can help should help. I think that the United States should be the world police, but they should engage in community policing, continue to lean on allies to assist in different parts of the world and try to make the world a better place.

Matthew Felipe

President | Indivisible Neers