Working in the field of foreign policy requires a great deal of knowledge and ability to grasp large and complex scenarios. It also requires a good understanding of the public’s perspective. While American public opinion has fluctuated over the years, and some have seen it as turning increasingly isolationist, there are reasons to believe that a steady majority of Americans still supports alliances and international trade and believes the United States should maintain its global presence and superior military power.
The wise application of American primacy can advance not only the country’s values and interests, but the values and interests of its allies as well. For example, the use (or threat) of American power evicted Iraqi troops from Kuwait, convinced Haiti’s military junta to relinquish power, ended Serbian atrocities in Kosovo and broke Al Qaeda’s grip on Afghanistan.
But global events such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic can’t be addressed with a narrowly nationalist strategy, and it is important that foreign policy reflect the views of the whole world. This is why the work of diplomats is important.
American primacy can reduce the risk of major wars by making it difficult for other countries to acquire the kind of hegemonic power that could challenge it, and it can make a major contribution to global stability by preventing rivalries from spilling into dangerous arms races. It is no accident that some of history’s greatest leaders have been both soldiers and diplomats.