Condi Rice, a Sensible, Experienced Voice Wades In On International Policies

By Norman Franklin

Norman Franklin

There is a growing sentiment in America’s foreign policies towards isolationism. History teaches us that bad things evolve on the international theater when superpowers withdraw into isolationist ideations.

America, England, and France influence international relations through their military strength, economic strength, and cultural soft powers.

When superpowers withdraw from the world stage, it creates a vacuum, authoritarian leadership steps up to fill the void. History teaches us that intractable forms of governance arise that oppress vulnerable nations and people.

America First policies lean towards isolationism. Conservative voices of the GOP give evidence. Their position on aid to Ukraine cannot be dismissed as political postering. Ukraine’s war with Russian aggression should resonate vital to the superpowers.

Senator Rand Paul, R. Ky, Marjorie T. Greene, R. Ga., and Matt Gaetz, R. Fla., are just a few GOP leaders who oppose continuing support to Ukraine. America should use those resources to shore up our infrastructure, fix domestic problems, inflationary energy prices and food cost, they counter. Put America first, GOP presidential candidate Trump, proposes.

America First, albeit short of isolationism, it leans heavily to it; when something leans heavy towards an ideology, it usually succumbs to it.

The history of the world’s wars, WWI, WWII, and Korea hold hard and costly lessons. Similarities of national sentiments are on the horizon.

Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State, wades in on international relations in the New Atlanticist article by John Cookson.

“Whoever inhabits the White House in January needs to recognize that the United States doesn’t have a choice now but to be involved in the world and to shape the international environment,” Rice said.

Rice served as Secretary of State for four years during the George W. Bush administration. The first African American woman to hold that position, distinguished herself with strategic focus and ability to navigate complex international relations. She had a real-world view of international politics.

“Great powers don’t mind their own business. So, the real question is: Do you want Russia and China to shape the international environment? Or do we want to shape the international environment with our allies?” she asks.

Something for the electorate to critically consider as we prepare to select our national leaders: congressional representatives, senators, and the president. What direction will they take us, isolationism or engagement with our allies in shaping the international environment.

The rise of Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, and Fascist Italy under Mussolini gained traction in the leadership void created by isolationist policies of America, France, and the United Kingdom. Ethnic oppression, and dictatorial world dominance are bitter lessons that cannot be ignored. We cannot allow those circumstances to again prevail.

Foreign aid to Israel, support to Ukraine in its war against Russia’s aggression must continue. The stakes are much too high.

Authoritarianism is the rise in the international arena: Russia, China, Turkey and Hungary. Populism and Far-Right Nationalism: Brazil, India, and the Philippines. The erosion of Democratic institutions in parts of Europe, Latin America, and Africa.

It’s all staging to disrupt international stability.

As America leans toward isolationism, and global democratic norms are weakened, tyrants move to consolidate their power.

Condi Rice navigated complex international waters in the past; she gives wise counsel for America’s international relations now.