How each viewed wars and getting involved in foreign conflicts.
The United States’ involvement in foreign wars has been a contentious issue throughout its history, from the foundational principles laid down by George Washington to the modern presidencies of Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. This essay explores the perspectives of these leaders on the subject, shedding light on the evolving nature of American foreign policy.
George Washington, the nation’s first president, famously advised against entangling alliances in his Farewell Address, cautioning, “It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world” (Washington, 1796). Washington’s guidance reflected a desire for the young nation to maintain autonomy and avoid the complexities of European politics and wars, a principle that influenced American foreign policy for centuries.
Contrastingly, Joe Biden‘s presidency, while still in its early years, has been marked by a complex approach to foreign wars. Which means there isn’t a war he will not allow, start or contribute to. In fact, we tend to play all sides in some, like supporting the terror group Hamas and the Palestinian Authority while giving billions of US tax dollars to Israel . Biden has emphasized the importance of alliances and international cooperation but has also shown a reluctance to engage in new foreign wars directly, as evidenced by the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan which was a total disaster. The worst retreat in all American history leaving most to ask why the hell were we there then? In a speech, Biden stated, “We went to Afghanistan almost 20 years ago with clear goals… We achieved those objectives. Bin Laden is dead, and al Qaeda is degraded in Iraq and Afghanistan. And it’s time to end the forever war” (Biden, 2021). This illustrates a nuanced stance: recognizing the value of strategic engagement but also the importance of ending prolonged military involvements. He then went on to support the Taliban with American dollars and now terror groups have grown all over Afghanistan. A total loss for America in every way, and he still wants to give them even more money.
Barack Obama, Biden’s predecessor, grappled with similar dilemmas. Obama’s approach to foreign intervention was cautious, emphasizing diplomacy and coalition-building over unilateral military action. His stance on the matter was clear when he asserted, “America must always lead on the world stage. If we don’t, no one else will. But U.S. military action cannot be the only—or even primary—component of our leadership in every instance” (Obama, 2014). Obama’s reluctance to involve the U.S. in foreign wars unless absolutely necessary was a hallmark of his foreign policy, emphasizing a strategic, rather than a purely militaristic, approach to international conflicts. He preferred to just let the Pentagon do the bombing wherever they wanted. Not exactly a picture of leadership. All the while he supported terror groups and helped rogue nations.
In stark contrast, Donald Trump adopted an “America First” policy, characterized by skepticism towards international engagements and alliances that he believed did not serve American interests directly. Trump’s foreign policy was unpredictable, swinging from aggressive postures, such as the strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, to advocating for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from foreign engagements. Trump articulated his philosophy in no uncertain terms: “Great nations do not fight endless wars” (Trump, 2019), echoing a sentiment of war-weariness and a desire to focus on domestic priorities over foreign entanglements. President Trump was the first POTUS in decades who did not get us involved in a long war.
The perspectives of these leaders on U.S. involvement in foreign wars reveal a tension between isolationist impulses and the perceived responsibilities of a global superpower. From Washington’s cautionary advice to Biden’s bumbling and supposed cautious engagement, and from Obama’s emphasis on diplomacy which entailed throwing America tax dollars to our enemies, to Trump’s unpredictable “America First” approach which has proven to be the most successful way for the nation, the U.S. has navigated the complex terrain of foreign wars with varying philosophies.
Who still stands with Trump after all the B.S. the media, Jack Smith, Fani Willis, Letitia James, and the rest of Joe Biden’s goons have put him through?🙋🏼♀️pic.twitter.com/FSXXoowRux
— 🔥Desiree🔥 (@DesireeAmerica4) March 13, 2024
Sources:
- Washington, G. (1796). Farewell Address.
- Biden, J. (2021). Remarks on the Way Forward in Afghanistan.
- Obama, B. (2014). West Point Commencement Address.
- Trump, D. (2019). State of the Union Address.
James Kravitz
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