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  • Essay / Liberal Intervention: Huntington's Plea for U.S. Primacy

    The presence and intervention of the United States in the international community has been widely noted. Engaging in two large-scale world wars, pursuing temporary isolationism, fighting the Cold War, and vigorously promoting democracy made the United States an international hegemon. Obtaining this label therefore obliges the United States to exercise its power to correct injustices, promote American values ​​and maintain order both domestically and abroad. This statement, formulated by political scientist Samuel Huntington, reflects these ideas of liberalism in the context of international relations. Liberalism is a theory shaped by philosophers such as Immanuel Kant, John Locke, Adam Smith and Voltaire. It capitalizes on the interdependence and connections between states and sub-state actors as key players in the international system. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get an original essay This ideology emphasizes the importance of individuals, their shapeable human nature, their complex interdependence, their ideological precedence, the pursuit of the common interest and their economic prowess. . In accordance with interdependence, the conviction that the wealth of States is inextricably linked to others, liberalism highlights the effects of globalization and integration within the world. Because international society is not anarchic and nations are dependent on each other, concepts of morality carry more weight and political and moral values ​​therefore have greater importance for liberals. Huntington's words echo many liberal characteristics, as he mentions the importance of spreading moral and ideological values ​​such as democracy and freedom, incorporates the involvement of the United States in the international community and relations economic ties, and defends the idea that the common interest of all nations must be respected. be pursued because policies inherently affect individuals both inside and outside the United States. Above all, Huntington reveals his liberal position by emphasizing the importance of freedom and democracy at the beginning and end of his statement. It derives these values ​​from American exceptionalism, an ideology that sets America apart from other nations because of the unique and important values ​​that Americans have fought for. These moral principles play an important role in the decision-making of nations and individuals. Liberals understand that economic, ideological, religious and cultural issues are a necessary component of the global agenda. There is therefore a need for States to be moral actors on the international scene and to promote their ideologies to a State which does not seem capable of promoting them alone. This mindset coincides with Huntington's views on foreign policy, according to which the United States has a very clear vision and clear obligation to extend its influence to other nations and to maintain international order. Political realists, for example, fiercely oppose this view, arguing that ideology has no place in international relations and that power alone dictates foreign policy goals. They further assert that the morality of an individual is distinct from the morality of states. This, however, is contrary to Huntington's recommendation. The United States promotes virtuous values ​​because of its exceptionalism and for the well-being of citizens inside and outside the United States. The State is not satisfiednot to value and pursue one's own interests. Just as a moral individual would help his fellow citizen if they found themselves in a difficult situation, nations would do the same. Huntington's liberal analysis of American primacy also relies heavily on complex interdependence. Interdependence is the belief that the wealth and prosperity of states are inextricably linked to each other. According to the liberal school of thought, states cooperate because it is in their interest to do so. States understand that hostility at the international level harms everyone's interests and should therefore collaborate. Furthermore, liberalism promotes greater integration in the world through stronger economic kinship and globalization. The integration of economic systems benefits both the United States and the rest of the international community. Therefore, as liberals argue, economic superiority trumps military prowess in terms of conflict resolution. Military intervention fails to resolve environmental problems, trade imbalances and external conflicts. This ties in with the concept behind Huntington’s statement. The United States should engage with other nations and engage internationally to promote its values. This would require a certain level of interdependence and globalization. Furthermore, Huntington defends the idea of ​​"open economies" and social protection, achieved solely by economic means, as proposed by liberals. Because the United States would promote free trade and the merging of economic structures, this would benefit the United States and foreign countries. However, one of the main points of conflict between realists and liberals is that of external dependence and the effectiveness of military power. Realists approach international relations with a strong sense of skepticism and doubt the intentions of their foreign counterparts. For a realist, it would be unwise to form alliances and rely heavily on other nations for resources. Likewise, military conflicts are both inevitable and effective. The only way to gain and maintain power among the international population is to exercise and dominate through military means. This statement concludes by conveying the message that the common interest of all nations must be pursued because the policies toward which the United States strives inherently affect individuals inside and outside the country . outside the United States. Huntington tells the reader that "the enduring international primacy of the United States is essential to the well-being and security of Americans as well as to the future of freedom, democracy, open economies, and international order in the world.” The essence of his argument is that no policy or regulation is solely tied to the national terrain or the international network. The directives that the United States applies nationally or internationally end up influencing each other. For example, efforts towards pollution control and environment-friendly measures would be implemented for the safety of individuals within the country. However, approval of this policy would impact the country's trading partners, as imports and resources must be limited to conservation-oriented activities. equipment. In this way, the line between domestic and foreign policy becomes blurred and proposals meant to impact one group impact the entire international community. Similar to this logical deduction, Huntington argues that the.