I am writing an argumentative essay on the U.S. and our foreign relations. What are your views on this issue?

2018-05-17T10:51:37-04:00

The more I've read, the more I became curious on what others viewpoint is, especially those currently serving in the military and veterans. PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made May 17 at 2018 11:00 AM

2018-05-17T11:00:16-04:00

Why "argumentative"? It takes two to argue. Are you going to argue with yourself? Or, are you intentionally going to misstate reality to sucker someone into an argument? Personally, I prefer to focus on problems and issues, seeking agreement on those rather than solutions. Typically, people easily agree on solutions once they agree on the definition of a problem.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 17 at 2018 11:17 AM

2018-05-17T11:17:39-04:00

Wow, was that interest stingly phrased...I gotta really wrap my head around that one, that was really pithy, honest...'"argumentative"? You should win a PulirEr just for that, lol....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 17 at 2018 11:18 AM

2018-05-17T11:18:57-04:00

I !ean, I know you're obcioisly serious, it was just how you phrased it was also really, really funny, honest, lol...lemme see, how do I get argumentative, I wonder? Hmmmmmm.....

Response by PVT Mark Brown made May 17 at 2018 11:19 AM

2018-05-17T11:19:57-04:00

I think the US has carved out a niche in the great world of ours. Historically, at least since the mid 19th century, the US has assumed to role of world manager. I take a pragmatic view of this position in the world political landscape. Seems like the citizenry of the US has become quite ambivalent as to our position in the world, our assumed position of responsibility - that of the enforcers of a code of conduct internationally. This position evolved over a long stretch of time, 150 years, plus or minus, and, as such, we are looked at when a time of crisis visits any nation anywhere regardless of political view, internal security, or socio-economic condition. Initially the United States inserted herself in areas where our perception, real or otherwise, told us (America) that one location or another country, city, province, or other political subdivision has come under attack from within or outside borders. An altruistic world view has lead America to become the overseer of what is good and moral. Maybe, at times, the American view has been imparted on "victimized" nations perhaps a little too strongly. Our intent has been, at least on the surface, on of protection. Protection against forces of evil or malfeasance toward the ruled masses, folks unable to overcome such control on their own. Sure, behind our professed motivation of caring for what is right, what is moral, what things should look like, in the rose color (at times) glasses of US domination and protection. At times this care taking has morphed into a monstrous position of occupation - wearing out our welcome. This cycle of awareness, action and control has been repeated many dozens of times in many dozens of locations. Popular view at times seems to demand an isolationist world view, which I, at times, join. The United States has chosen to assume this position and has assumed the rights attached thereto along with the responsibilities inherent to such actions. I was a Goldwater supporter when his main platform plank was one of isolation. America will never become an isolationist nation, we are setup in the world political hierarchy as the official world law enforcement provider.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 17 at 2018 11:21 AM

2018-05-17T11:21:54-04:00

http://www.mors.org

Here, you'll love this, honest, for real, it's a really interesting site, all kidding aside....

Military Operations Research Society

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 17 at 2018 11:25 AM

2018-05-17T11:25:06-04:00

What services, by the way? Any particular interests? College? Associates? Bachelors? GPA? STEM? Clinical? Nonclinical? Flight? Enlisted? Warrant? Commissioned? Academy or academy prep school? ROTC or USMC platoon leaders course (PLC)? I was just curious, I have an interest in such things, honest...obv you won't need !such in creative writing training...argumentative...wow, that was good, lol....bravo....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 17 at 2018 11:26 AM

2018-05-17T11:26:09-04:00

And I'll give it some serious thought...I've really gotta store that one in my memory bank of memorable phrases though...argumentative...boy oh boy, is that one good....

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made May 17 at 2018 11:48 AM

2018-05-17T11:48:47-04:00

That is a very broad topic. To understand American Foreign Policy, you need to read…articles, books, essays, etc. Read a lot! Because of our political system, our “foreign policy” changes every 4-8 years. Obama’s globalism philosophy is totally different than Pres. Trump's. Democrats tend to hold a more liberal international relations view of the world while Republicans tend to be more realists. When you read on this subject, ensure that you are not reading from one point of view. (Most of academia slants toward a liberal / globalism view) In order to develop a well-rounded point of view, you have to include all viewpoints and develop your own ideas. Depending on your grade level, Wikipedia may or may not be a source. However, the great thing about Wikipedia for research papers lies in the “Citations” section. Use the citations to find real source material. For example, Wikipedia talks about a national security paper written under the direction of POTUS’s Nat. Sec. Advisor. The citation points to a “Voice of America” article. In that article, you’ll find the following link:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/NSS-Final-12-18-2017-0905.pdf

This link takes you to the actual document. Read that. It gives you an idea of our National Security Strategy. Finally, to answer your question…I hold more of a realist view of the world. I would love for the world to be the Obama/Wilsonian utopia, but there are bad actors. There will always be bad actors. Our foreign policy must reflect that we hold a position of strength. “Peace through strength” is a term that been around for almost 2000 years and will probably apply for another 2000. (Maybe by then, the adversary may not be of this world! :-) Good luck.

NSS-Final-12-18-2017-0905.pdf

Response by LT Brad McInnis made May 17 at 2018 2:51 PM

2018-05-17T14:51:49-04:00

BS and MS in Political Science here... not really sure what you are asking. That question is overly broad and there really is no way to answer it. Many books have been written on just foreign policy during President Carter's years... You may want to go back to your prof and have them define it more...

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 26 at 2018 2:23 PM

2018-12-26T14:23:45-05:00

America is a celebrity among nations. Every other people focus on US. And like all celebrities, we come to expect the attention and adoration until it gets weird. Then we resent it. We resent the toll it places upon us to serve the needs of others unwilling to take responsibility for themselves, and then are forced to defend ourselves from their criticism for cutting them off. Instead of telling them what to do to be successful, we should simply demonstrate (lead the way) and let them choose to follow our example if they want. After all, not everyone can handle liberty and the responsibility that it entails.