In the history of international relations, no era has brought more unity and peace than the global order we live in today. International relations is driven more and more by its own people and their ideas. International relations is innovative, it is highly interconnected and technological, and it is democratic.
The peace and the liberal institutions forged by democratic states are testament to man’s reasoning and to the progress we have made towards a peaceful equilibrium.
As a caveat to these advancements in diplomacy, tension and violence still continue to undermine global prosperity. In Latin America, economic planning has created poverty and has left millions of families without food. In the Middle East, the violent and backward ISIS has conquered the cradle of civilization, leaving behind a vast humanitarian crisis. In the West, populism and xenophobia are on the rise and opportunistic Russia remains vigilant to exploit its weaker neighbors.
Given these new threats and opportunities, we are living in a critical juncture in foreign relations. The decisions we make now will have grand consequences in the future. Ideally, we should be planting the seeds for more co-operation, pluralism, and commerce. Therefore, leaders of today must redefine and commit to a set of guiding principles while establishing and working towards a clear vision for the 21st century.
First, America must maintain strong leadership. The reasons for why are plenty -- including the size of our economy and diplomatic clout -- but the most compelling explanation is historical. The U.S. has always looked towards the future in establishing a world order. Take postwar reconstruction: whereas European leaders were always keen on restoring governments to their pre-war arrangements (e.g., with the Treaty of Versailles and the Congress of Vienna); American leaders instead seized opportunities to promote freedom and democracy by building new institutions and economic arrangements. Liberal institutions and programs such as the League of Nations, Marshall Plan, the UN, World Bank and IMF are inventions of American visionaries.
But in the past two decades, American diplomatic efforts have been inadequate. Attempts at humanitarian intervention vis-a-vis Somalia and nation building vis-a-vis Iraq have failed. And the incumbent president has been unable to establish a coherent foreign policy. This “Obama Doctrine”-- if one even exists -- is marred by false promises and impromptu decision making. The doctrine’s hazards are twofold: one, it worsens our credibility as a global leader. Two, it alienates our allies and opens a window for adversaries to exploit our indecisiveness.
Looking forward, The U.S. must remain innovative in promoting democracy and capitalism. This does not mean interventionism nor being the global policeman, but Washington must expand cooperation with allies such as Europe and southeast Asia and promote universal ideas of liberty and democracy.
Second, no longer in global affairs will we have dominant powers in the future. Instead, it will be driven by ideas, entrepreneurs, and citizens themselves. By introducing new technologies or social media platforms abroad, for example, Silicon Valley firms are engaged in the future of cross-border interactions. More people are working abroad than ever before, and ideas are proliferating rapidly.
But certain traditional means of global interactions -- i.e., sanctions or warfare -- are not in the people’s best interests. Today, people have a thirst for commerce and for new ideas from around the world. Oftentimes, younger generations have an affinity for diversity and are willing to settle differences with foes. Therefore, states must play a role in facilitating global security and establishing the rule of law, but they must not be imperious and should allow for their citizens themselves to conduct foreign affairs.
I will be audacious enough to say that war will be obsolete, as long as the gears of commerce are turning and that governments are democratic.
This is not a call for a utopian ideal where UN representatives hold hands and chant Ode to Joy. Conflicts are here to stay for a while longer. However, we live in a more peaceful world than we did in the past. Great powers are not at war with one another nor do they have incentive to start one. The vision for the future is a world driven by the will of its own people. It is a vision that is inevitable and worth fighting for. And leaders must be on board, especially the United States. The future we want -- freedom for all men, peace, and progress -- will be sought in a journey with no end.
