The stakes have never been higher as the United States heads toward this year’s presidential election.
Donald Trump has been clear in his call for a radically different U.S. foreign policy, one based on isolationism with the slogan “America First” that harkens back to the 1930s when Charles Lindbergh and others fought to keep the country out of what became World War II.
In contrast, Hillary Clinton is committed to a more traditional line of internationalism that promises to maintain U.S. alliances, including continued membership in NATO, which has been the bedrock of U.S. foreign policy.
These views couldn’t be more different. It is one thing to question American overreach. But it is another to question America reaching out to its allies. Trump wants to dismantle, with no basis in fact, policies pursued by every president since the end of World War II and replace them with global views based only on his own opinions and prejudices.
The U.S. has been the glue in geopolitics and, more than any other country, has created and maintained conditions designed to hold together a fractious world.
An American pullback from the world stage would be disastrous. In Europe, leaving NATO would severely weaken the organization and lead to increased Russian influence and international conflict. In Asia, U.S. disengagement would leave China unchecked and lead to more conflict along the Korean peninsula. We cannot become a giant gated community cowering behind isolationist walls. The United States will have to help resolve global differences, not only with military might, but with the power of persuasion that uses diplomacy and economic rewards or sanctions to achieve its goals.
Having served as Secretary of State, Clinton has the credentials and experience needed to direct U.S. foreign policy. She will keep the United States engaged on the global stage. That policy includes support of trade, which fuels development and serves to reduce the number of weakened and failed states which can be home to terrorist networks. Trade can help to mend fences between potential adversaries by creating a network of beneficial ties that make disrupting them less appealing.
Tending to these relationships requires someone with the respect and confidence of world leaders, something that Clinton clearly possesses and Trump just as clearly does not. Clinton will maintain commitments to our allies, commitments which deter adversaries and lessen the potential for conflict. At the same time, U.S policies will reassure smaller countries and lessen the likelihood that they feel the need to appease more powerful neighbors.
So the choice in November will come down to whether the U.S. remains a key player in deciding global issues or is reduced to an isolated island in an increasingly diverse world. With this in mind, it will be important that the U.S. honors its commitments and keeps its standing in the world community, something only a Clinton presidency can deliver.
The Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee provides this column.