Gary Morgan; Spritual Reflection of an Economic & Political Nature; Pure Foreign Policy
The Present:
As we review the use and intent of the term “Foreign Policy” by our government, and indeed most if not all the governments of the world, we cannot help but discover that our foreign policy includes and is perhaps even overshadowed by imperialism. Imperialism can be broadly defined as:
“One nation’s extension or imposition of power, authority, or influence over another nation’s political and economic systems, with or without regard to the wishes and desires of the nation being extended or imposed upon.”
Pure Foreign Policy on the other hand, must complement the needs and well being of the affected countries and can best be defined as follows:
“The prudence or wisdom to manage the complementary affairs of two or more nations by following a definite course of action to guide and determine both present and future decisions, that embrace and promote the general and socially acceptable goals and aspirations of the peoples within the nations.”
Clearly in this time of nuclear and biological weaponry and terrorism, each nation is rightfully concerned for the safety and protection of its people and property, and when necessary and able, (individually or by alliance with other nations), will impose its power and authority over an offending nation. While many will name this imposition of power and authority imperialism, it is in reality Pure Foreign Policy, which is predicated on the goals and aspirations of the entire affected people group(s) and not a minority and perhaps fanatical or dictatorial leadership. Perhaps the best summary of the principle goals and aspirations of all peoples taken as a whole would be the familiar; life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
However, it must be recognized that the most of the current need for the western nations to impose its power and authority over its enemy nations can easily be traced back to the imperialism practiced against those countries. The history of the world is our classroom, and history shows that every world empire rose by taking political and economic advantage of the weaker nations, and fell by disregarding the Pure Foreign Policy needs of the peoples inhabiting those nations. We look to the Middle East for an obvious example of the workings and progression of our current imperialistic foreign policy predicated around oil and precious minerals:
Example of Western Foreign Policy in the Middle East:
Oil, being more precious to the economy than gold, is currently the primary commodity driving the financial lusts of the world. Historically, individuals and corporations (the Western elite), with the full backing and support of their governments, established control over an existing middle eastern government through bribes, gifts and military support to a minority elite of that country. Then after the collapse and overthrow of the resulting corrupt monarchy or dictatorship, control of the country falls into the hands of regional warlords or sects, who are themselves corrupt and abusive. The Western nations, intent on keeping control of the oil resources for their controlling elite, identify one of the most powerful leaders and convinces him, with money and weapons, to do their bidding. In a short while that warlord has destroyed his opposition, has control of the country and all of its resources, and sets himself up as absolute dictator. By this time the Western nations will have expended billions of dollars in financial aid and military equipment to prop up the dictator and the people are suffering unspeakable atrocities. In complete control, the dictator now turns against their Western benefactor and, no longer needing their money and weapons to maintain control, takes control of the oil resources. Then, after a period of death and abuse at the hands of the corrupt leadership, it too is overthrown and the cycle continues, always intent on a minority elite maintaining control over the wealth generating resources. The lives of the military soldiers and citizens are not a meaningful consideration except to justify a course of action.
Is there any wonder then that the United States and other Western nations are viewed with hatred for the imperialism that was thrust upon them? An imperialism where a few get rich, hundreds of thousands or even millions die, and no government really cares enough to stop the atrocities so long as the riches keep flowing. And to make matters worse, the tax payers of the Western nations fund the campaigns and sacrifice their lives to maintain the elite system! This, my friend is the history of the world’s foreign policy.
The Future:
We cannot ignore the failure of our past foreign policy positions, nor the heinous effects of those decisions. Nor can we abandon existing foreign policy around the world. We are simply too dependent upon the world’s resources. But we must commit to change, and change must begin now.
The first step to change is to admit publicly to the world that our foreign policy has primarily been motivated by greed and selfishness and responsible for much death and evil throughout the world. We must apologize to the world and repent as a nation, asking the world for forgiveness. Such true repentance will destroy the strongholds of terrorism.
The second step is to forgive ourselves individually and as a nation. We cannot allow ourselves to falter by the guilt that others will surely try to lay at our feet.
The third step is to promise a new foreign policy, a Pure Foreign Policy, one in which we dedicate ourselves to teaching and helping build and provide for a world of people who have the same desires as our own; life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The fourth step is to see the new foreign policy model implemented and defend it against all those who would seek to destroy it. It will take many years to plant, but the harvest will be beyond our imagination or measure.
New Foreign Policy Model:
A. The proposed new foreign policy model would be significantly less costly than the foreign policy model followed today. It will not require large sums of money up front, and will require only very modest funding as the model develops. The model will be administratively light and utilize the vast army of volunteers who are willing to sacrifice time and energy for a just cause. As the model economies develop and the regions become self sustaining, foreign influence over financial and operational matters will be withdrawn with full ownership and control placed in the hands of the hosting nation. From this point forward, all foreign profits will be derived from fair trade established with the new economies.
B. Acknowledging that the old way must fade away: (getting rid of all the reasons for mistrust)
-
Foreign policy must discontinue its practice of arms for peace.
-
Foreign policy must discontinue its practice of providing covert military training and support.
-
Foreign policy must discontinue its practice of financing corrupt and abusive governments (monetary foreign aid, trade concessions, etc.)
-
Foreign policy must openly denounce and cease to conduct trade with all countries that tolerate the growing and trafficking of illegal drugs, or trafficking in human flesh/slavery.
-
To ensure delivery of foreign aid in the form of food, medicines, and other non- military life essential items to the intended destination, all such deliveries must be conducted by or under the direct supervision of United States personnel.
C. Building Friendly Allies & Trading Partners:
-
Establish orphanages and schools in underdeveloped nations.
-
Recognize and use the vast array of established missionary organizations already operating orphanages and schools in underdeveloped nations.
-
Focus efforts on building trusting relationships in children to adulthood.
-
Focus on identifying and developing honorable local and regional leaders from within the model system.
-
Focus on developing and supporting an evolving educational plan to grow economies in strategic areas.
-
Plant small business enterprises strategically in the region through individuals educated and trained in the system, providing consultative and minimal early financial support.
-
Focus on developing and promoting fair and free trade regionally and internationally with the new economies.
-
To ensure success, each implementation must be made with a long-term (15-20 year) financial and support commitment.
D. Results:
-
International relationships and trading partners based on an honorable and trustworthy intent.
-
Economic self reliance and freedom for the newly developed nations.
-
Significant reduction and/or removal of the opportunity and motivation of one nation or group to oppress another nation or people out of greed.
-
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for the individual peoples within the newly developed nations.
-
Billions of dollars in annual foreign aid and military equipment expenditures saved.
-
Economic growth and prosperity for all participating nations.