America Should Put Aside Past Arrogance

Foreign Policy magazine published an extremely interesting article, which argued that geographic factors play a significant role in how Americans view the world. Canadians, Mexicans, and the fish are America’s three neighbors, giving America an unprecedented sense of security as well as allowing America the luxury of having a large margin for error in international affairs. The fact that America has no predatory neighbors and is protected by oceans on two sides are America’s “liquid assets.”

America’s position of luxury has caused the American people to adopt an optimistic outlook and has even shaped their foreign policy around trying to help the rest of the world. Power and freedom from threats meant that Americans did not need to worry about what the rest of the world thinks. This is commonly held to be a certain type of American arrogance.

Those following the G-8 Summit this year undoubtedly noticed Obama would not make eye contact with Putin while discussing Syria. Perhaps he felt there is no need to listen to what someone else might have to say when all he needs to do is nod his head in agreement. The whole time, the Russian president was just staring at the floor and stated his views rather calmly.

Challenge to America’s Pride

American pride has provided some advantages: America has promoted human rights while simultaneously supporting dictators. On numerous occasions, America has declared its support of the United Nations and international law while undermining them both when it is in its interest to do so. Americans have an almost diametric view: sometimes they do not want to get involved whatsoever, and sometimes they want to change the world.

This is not a good sign, and it is one that carries with it the danger of America arbitrarily acting as it pleases. America lacks understanding of the mentality and issues in other countries, such as living in fear of explosions, being left out in the cold, and minority or gang disputes, due to the luxury of its own location.

The Taliban has been America’s enemy since Sept. 11, but on June 18, a U.S. Government official unwilling to reveal his name divulged information that there will be peace talks held between the U.S. and the Taliban the following week in Doha. This left Afghan President Karzai feeling dissatisfied.

Despite the fact that Mubarak was once one of America’s most important allies, the U.S. naively pushed Egypt to be taken over by secular Facebook and Twitter users. Egypt is now in a troublesome situation, with two controlling powers: the Muslim Brotherhood and the Egyptian Army, both of which are supported by America.

Media sources in England have condemned American arrogance, albeit rarely. According to reports, those who believe America is capable of and will continue to dominate the political realm in the region are living in the past. It is not realistic for America to lead a changing world through old ways. It should also be noted that America’s old way of doing things is not an effective method to lead any area of the world.

The world’s balance of power is beginning to shift. Global governance does not need to be given a voice and is becoming more diversified. The Boston bombing and other cases of violent attacks in the U.S. have made Americans feel threatened. America’s foundation of arrogance is no more; America needs to change its worldview. Otherwise, it will only create a more chaotic world.