McCain Gives Democratic Foreign Policy Speech

Probable GOP Nominee for President John McCain gave a speech to the Los Angeles World Affairs Council on Wednesday that distanced his approach to foreign affairs from that of President Bush. In fact, it was a better Democratic speech that the address Hillary Clinton gave in February. He’s taking a multi-lateral approach, acknowledging that the unipolar world of the neocons is over (if indeed it ever existed), and accepting that America must lead by example. He got things about 85% right, and the only issue now is whether he means it.

First, he truly believes that America’s values and lifestyle have merit and that they can make the world a better place. However, he spent a great deal of the speech insisting that the US not spend its time jamming such down reluctant throats. “. . .we must also lead by attracting others to our cause, by demonstrating once again the virtues of freedom and democracy, by defending the rules of international civilized society and by creating the new international institutions necessary to advance the peace and freedoms we cherish. Perhaps above all, leadership in today's world means accepting and fulfilling our responsibilities as a great nation.”

Second, that means other nations have their own interests that must be accommodated when possible or necessary. A strong Europe is a blessing, not a curse. “Americans should welcome the rise of a strong, confident European Union as we continue to support a strong NATO.” Africa needs help. “Africa’s problems -- poverty, corruption, disease, and instability -- are well known, we must refocus on the bright promise offered by many countries on that continent . . . . I will establish the goal of eradicating malaria on the continent [Amen] -- the number one killer of African children under the age of five. In addition to saving millions of lives in the world's poorest regions, such a campaign would do much to add luster to America’s image in the world.”

Third, the interests of other powers make rivals for America, but they do not necessarily create enemies. “China and the United States are not destined to be adversaries. We have numerous overlapping interests and hope to see our relationship evolve in a manner that benefits both countries and, in turn, the Asia-Pacific region and the world. But until China moves toward political liberalization, our relationship will be based on periodically shared interests rather than the bedrock of shared values.” On Russia, “Rather than tolerate Russia’s nuclear blackmail or cyber attacks, Western nations should make clear that the solidarity of NATO, from the Baltic to the Black Sea, is indivisible and that the organization's doors remain open to all democracies committed to the defense of freedom.” He also proposes kicking Russia out of the G-8 and adding Brazil and India to a G-9, or something he calls the “League of Democracies.”

He does, however, insist that US forces need to stay in Iraq-Nam and that the fight there can be won by America’s friends there. “If we withdraw prematurely from Iraq, al Qaeda in Iraq will survive, proclaim victory and continue to provoke sectarian tensions that, while they have been subdued by the success of the surge, still exist, as various factions of Sunni and Shi’a have yet to move beyond their ancient hatreds, and are ripe for provocation by al Qaeda.” The Badr Brigades and the Madhi Army will make short work of al Qaeda once the al-Maliki government falls and the two factions fight it out. That will happen whether the US is in the cross fire or not. Prudence suggests not.

Finally, he does seem to understand that propping up dictators doesn’t work in the long run. “We can no longer delude ourselves that relying on these out-dated autocracies is the safest bet. They no longer provide lasting stability, only the illusion of it. We must not act rashly or demand change overnight. But neither can we pretend the status quo is sustainable, stable, or in our interests.” Then, he errs by suggesting America “must help expand the power and reach of freedom, using all our many strengths as a free people.” No, America needs to let other peoples decide their own futures. If the American way is worthwhile, the market place of ideas will lead other nations in that direction. And if not, no amount of firepower can fix it.

© Copyright 2008 by The Kensington Review, Jeff Myhre, PhD, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Produced using Fedora Linux.

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