Topic > Liberal Intervention: Huntington's Defense of US Primacy

The presence and intervention of the United States in the international community has been much noted. Engaging in two large-scale world wars, pursuing temporary isolationism, fighting the Cold War, and vigorously promoting democracy transformed the United States into an international hegemon. Earning this label, therefore, forces the United States to exercise its power to correct injustices, promote American values, and maintain order both at home and abroad. This statement, articulated by political scientist Samuel Huntington, reflects these ideas of liberalism in the context of international relations. Liberalism is a theory that was shaped by philosophers such as Immanuel Kant, John Locke, Adam Smith, and Voltaire. It exploits the interdependence and connectedness between states and sub-state actors as key actors in the international system. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayThis ideology emphasizes the importance of individuals, their moldable human nature, complex interdependence, ideological precedence, pursuit of common interest, and economic prowess. In accordance with interdependence, the belief that the wealth of states is inextricably linked to each other, liberalism highlights the effects of globalization, of integration within the world. Since international society is not anarchic and nations rely on each other, concepts of morality carry more weight and, therefore, for liberals, political and moral values ​​have greater meaning. Huntington's words echo many liberal characteristics, as he mentions the importance of spreading moral and ideological values ​​such as democracy and freedom, incorporates the involvement of the United States in the international community and the economic relations formed, and argues that the interest common of all nations should be respected. be pursued, as policies inherently affect individuals both inside and outside the United States. First, Huntington reveals his liberal position by emphasizing the importance of freedom and democracy at both the beginning and conclusion of his statement. It draws these values ​​from American exceptionalism, an ideology that distinguishes America from other nations because of the unique and important values ​​for which Americans have fought. These moral principles form an important part of the decision-making process of nations and individuals. Liberals understand that economic, ideological, religious, and cultural issues are a necessary component of the global agenda. Therefore, there is a strong need for states to be moral actors in the international arena and promote their ideologies towards a state that seems ill-suited to promoting them on its own. This mentality coincides with Huntington's foreign policy vision, according to which the United States has a very clear vision and obvious obligation to extend its influence to other nations and maintain international order. Political realists, for example, strongly oppose this perspective, arguing that ideology has no place in international relations and that power exclusively dictates foreign policy objectives. They further assert that the morality of an individual is distinct from the morality of states. This, however, is contrary to Huntington's defense. The United States is promoting virtuous values ​​through American exceptionalism and for the betterment of citizens inside and outside the United States. The State does not value and simply pursues its own interests. Just like a moral individualwould help his fellow citizen if he were in some difficult situation, nations would do the same. Huntington's liberal analysis of US primacy also relies heavily on complex interdependence. Interdependence is the belief that the wealth and prosperity of states are inextricably linked to each other. According to the liberal school of thought, states cooperate because it is in their interest to do so. States understand that hostility at the international level harms everyone's interests and therefore they should cooperate. Furthermore, liberalism promotes greater integration in the world by virtue of stronger economic kinship and globalization. The integration of economic systems benefits both the United States and the rest of the international community. Therefore, as liberals argue, economic superiority trumps military prowess in terms of conflict resolution. Military involvement fails to resolve environmental problems, trade imbalances and external conflicts. This refers to the concept behind Huntington's statement. The United States should engage with other nations and engage in the international sphere to promote its values. This would require a level of interdependence and globalization. Furthermore, Huntington supports the thought of “open economies” and welfare, achieved only through economic means, as proposed by liberals. Since the United States would promote free trade and merging economic structures, both the United States and countries abroad would benefit. However, one of the major points of conflict between realists and liberals is that of the external dependence and effectiveness of military power. Realists approach international relations with a strong sense of skepticism and doubt the intentions of their foreign counterparts. For a realist, it would be unwise to form alliances and rely heavily on other nations for resources. Likewise, military conflict is inevitable and effective. The only way to gain and maintain power in the international population is to exercise and dominate it through military means. This statement concludes by conveying the message that the common interest of all nations should be pursued because the policies the United States works for inherently affect individuals within and within the country. outside the United States. Huntington tells the reader that “the enduring international primacy of the United States is fundamental to the well-being and security of Americans and to the future of freedom, democracy, open economies, and international order in the world.” The essence of his argument is that no policy or regulation is bound exclusively to the national territory or the international network. The guidelines that the United States applies on a national or international scale ultimately influence each other. For example, pushing for pollution control and pushing for environmentally friendly measures would be implemented for the safety of individuals within the nation. However, passing this policy would impact the nation's trading partners, as imports and resources must be limited to environmentally friendly criteria. equipment. In this way, the boundary between domestic and foreign policy becomes blurred and proposals intended to have an impact on one group have an impact on the entire international community. Similar to this logical deduction, Huntington argues that foreign policy would begin to merge with domestic concerns: As the United States exercises its leadership and dominance abroad and toward other countries, citizens within the United States become more safe. Therefore, there is a.