The time has come for the US Presidential Debate on Foreign Policy!
Amidst the chaos of so many dire domestic issues in America, international relations can at times be passed off as of secondary importance. Yet as we know from our contributors here at Everyday Ambassador, and as I recently penned in an Op-Ed for the Christian Science Monitor, living in a globalized and digitized world means our interactions with non-Americans (on- and off-line) are deeply consequential! International affairs matter. Because for better or for worse,“Ambassadorship is no longer a position reserved for elite citizens in the highest political echelons. It is a sacred responsibility that you and I hold in our hands every moment of every day. In this role, we are meant to build bridges – not burn them.”
And yet the foreign policy discourse so far from our candidates about has been painfully short-sighted. Cracking down on China, to protect American innovation. Increased security at Middle East embassies, to protect American diplomats. Bringing troops home from Afghanistan (or keeping them just a bit longer), to preserve an American defense budget (or to counter more anti-American terrorism).
Understandably, campaigns and timed debates do not lend themselves to the deep and nuanced discussion each of these issues deserves, when we think about other countries not as enemies but as fellow citizens. Shouldn’t we be seeking partnership, not stoking tension, with growing global powers like China? Have we not fueled anti-American sentiment from past Middle East policies, and how can we form stronger relationships with the majority of Muslims who are not extremists? How could US troops play a transformational role in remedying our tarnished image in war zones abroad?
Further, the pressure to spar in sound bytes means that volumes of creative, highly-effective strategies will probably go unspoken tonight as well: the kinds of solutions that our contributors here talk about every week. Education in rural communities, women’s empowerment in war zones, preserving music and culture in modernizing societies. These are the kinds of grassroots diplomacy that leads to global impact.
So in advance of tonight’s debate, I ask our community to leave a post with their opinion and link to their website/blog so readers can learn more. Let us know: what foreign policy issue(s) will probably go undiscussed tonight, but matter deeply to creating a better world? What issue are you shining your light on, and how would more investment in your work create a more peaceful, healthy, stable world, for Americans, and for all global citizens?
(You never know who might take note!)
The idea of American Exceptionalism has permeated the core of every debate, and both candidates have been guilty of spreading its principles. Not only does this have an ill-effect on the the future of the nation, but it also spreads an idea of the way Americans view themselves that is not conducive to peaceful international relationships, or even every-day American citizens living abroad. Other countries around the globe tend to be more receptive towards looking at their problems straight in the eye, but for some reason, our American culture doesn’t allow that to happen unless we risk being called “unpatriotic”. We would rather paint a picture of near-perfection of our country’s situation and its policies than to admit some of the unfortunate situations we now find ourselves in.
I wish that both candidates, and the American public were more receptive to hard truths. I can almost guarantee that the world would appreciate a greater sense of humility and honesty on the part of American politicians, and that the American population could benefit from more problem resolution and less problem evasion.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and opinions with Everyday Ambassador. You bring up a very valid point “I wish that both candidates, and the American public were more receptive to hard truths.”
Perhaps it is an epidemic of wanting to be optimistic therefore not wanting to look at or deal with the worst of the worst. I know that I am guilty myself of not watching the daily news because its quite depressing and quite frankly I am not able to do much about a kid getting kidnapped or a shooting that occurred. Which brings me to this question: Can it be perhaps that we feel helpless when staring at deep hard truths and thus chose not to deal with them?
From the health clinic in rural Kenya to the classroom in Western China, I have grown more sensitive, understanding, and appreciative of other cultures. My international experiences have confirmed the importance of having a diverse toolbox of cross-cultural practices to make a true difference in the lives of others. After returning home, the differences between our societies only became more profound. Besides living everyday with the risk of preventable diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, Kenyans must overcome abject poverty, to which there is no likeness here in America. Back in New York, I could not ignore what I had seen: six students crowding around a textbook, unused paper a scarce commodity, and students swinging razor blades to sharpen their pencils. As a result, I founded the “Sharpen Education” Initiative at my university, aimed at organizing fundraisers for basic school supplies. With hundreds of pounds of pencils, notebooks, and sharpeners sent to my Kenyan students, I was eager to do more. Following commencement, my interest in matters of world health promoted me to join the Roll Back Malaria Partnership at the World Health Organization. At the United Nations Headquarters, I joined a team dedicated to reducing the nearly 700,000 deaths a year from this preventable disease by promoting hands-on on domestic and international activities focused on malaria advocacy, outreach, and partnership. More importantly, the devastation malaria had on my Kenyan community was no longer thousands of miles away as my work at the WHO directly raised funds for improved testing modalities and the distribution of insecticide treated bed-nets. As an agent of public service, I strongly believe that those of means should use their education and skills to serve disadvantaged populations.
Although the problems of the world may seem insurmountable, our generation’s combined efforts over a myriad of issues will change the world like never before.
Once you find your passion, there will undoubtedly be a dedicated few ready to join you in your efforts.
Thank you Joseph for sharing! I think you are right on. The issues are indeed big and many but not impossible to tackle. The key is working together with an overarching goal!