Facing the Dilemma of American Power: A Call for Clarity
If Kamala Harris ascends to the Oval Office, she will confront a multifaceted dilemma that transcends the myriad international conflicts and crises awaiting her attention: What is the true purpose of American power in today’s world? The current administration, in which Ms. Harris serves, has not sufficiently addressed this pressing question. President Biden has engaged in prolonged military engagements, positing that the United States remains the “indispensable nation” — a daunting assertion as a more competitive global landscape imposes increasing burdens on a nation grappling with significant domestic challenges.
The chaotic state of American foreign policy is the result of decades of evolution. Following the end of the Cold War, successive U.S. administrations opted for a strategy of global military dominance, even in the absence of clear adversaries. The United States expanded its network of alliances and stationed troops around the world, believing that perpetual strength would lead to enduring peace. There was also an underlying hope that the stabilizing influence of U.S. military preeminence would foster global cooperation to tackle critical issues such as environmental protection, human rights advocacy, and the expansion of global trade and prosperity.
However, this theory has unraveled — slowly at first, and then all at once. Instead of ushering in a new era of global harmony and enhancing the well-being of Americans, it has drawn the nation into a web of conflicts. This approach has not curbed China’s rise or prevented Russia from asserting itself aggressively, but it has left the United States vulnerable when these nations acted provocatively. Moreover, this strategy has diverted Washington’s attention from the threats that directly impact the lives and livelihoods of Americans.
In the past eight years, Donald Trump, of all individuals, has been allowed to dominate the discourse around a redefined vision for America’s role on the global stage. He has garnered unexpected appeal with his “America first” mantra, even though many of his specific policies lack coherence and widespread support. Before Mr. Biden stepped aside, Mr. Trump held a notable advantage in foreign policy discussions during this year’s election, and recent polling suggests he continues to do so. Regardless of the outcome in November, it is likely that the Republican Party will persist in promoting Mr. Trump’s nationalist agenda.
While on the campaign trail, Ms. Harris is unlikely to diverge significantly from the policies of President Biden. However, should she assume the presidency in January, it will be imperative for her to break free from established norms, outpace her competitors in innovation, and forge a foreign policy that is truly reflective of the complexities of the 21st century. By prioritizing the needs and aspirations of the American populace at every juncture, she can effectively diminish the appeal of Trumpism while simultaneously restoring the global leadership that the nation desperately seeks. This approach could be termed “America first,” but with genuine intent and purpose.
