How Should US Congressional & State Reps Speak to International Crisis?

Libya, Venezuela, Syria, Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel, Iran, and more!  Problems, problems, and more problems, what are we to do as a World Power?

Retreat into isolationism?  No can do.  Obviously!  But some talk as if the polar opposite of isolationism is the answer; as if we can unilaterally take on the world’s problems and dictate to other nations anything we wish—out of the big-headed presumption that we are the Number One Superpower in the world and have the means and therefore the right to do so.

For example, some of our esteemed representatives are bemoaning President Obama’s foreign policy strategy, calling it “leading from behind.”  They seem to be saying that Putin’s actions, in the Crimea, for example, is Obama’s fault, for his lack of in-your-face show-of-strength foreign policy approach.  These comments are obviously political in nature, election-year grandstanding, rather than the giving of wise advice or prudent counsel toward advancing fruitful and productive international policy.

If we are the number one super power that we think we are, than our representatives need to speak and behave with the kind of honor, respect, and dignity that a number one nation deserves from its representatives.  What does that look like?

First, one should avoid using international crisis events as a platform for scoring political points, such as making extreme and exaggerated politicizing remarks, just for the sake of political one-upmanship.  Rather, respect the nature of the situation.  As a representative, if you believe you have something of real value to offer by way of advice and counsel that will truly help this nation succeed in navigating through dangerous and volatile international waters, do so.  Submit your counsel and explain it, the what, how, and why of it.  Then let it be debated.  Just drop the cheap pot-shots at your political opponent.  What we want and need is real concrete wisdom and insight that has actual potential to enhance and strengthen our nation’s international position.  If you have no real insight to offer, then keep quiet.

Secondly, avoid inflated and arrogant posturing in behalf of Americans, talking down to other nations as if their national interests are insignificant and miniscule compared to US.  As a nation, we need to stop acting like a street thug controlling the neighborhood.  There should be no need to even talk like a street thug, effectively saying, “I’m big!  I’m bad!  And I’m ready!  Bring it on!!”  We’ve had enough of that.  We effectively said and acted as much when we started the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and look where that got us.

Thirdly, avoid the temptation to go-it-alone or even the appearance of acting as if we would go-it-alone.  Do diplomacy with strength.  But strength comes in numbers.  No Super Power is ever so powerful that it can or should take-on an international crisis without real engaged allies sharing the cost.  So, let us not minimize our need to work closely with other nations who are also stakeholders in the international scene with a significant interest in the outcome of our foreign policy decisions.

Fourthly, avoid double speak, saying one thing to diplomats and negotiators on the international front, behind closed doors, while saying another thing to your political constituents at home.  When it comes to international issues, you represent America and America’s collective interests as a whole.  Speak true and straight—both to the American people as a whole, as well as to the foreign diplomats and ambassadors abroad.  When it comes to foreign policy, we are one people, not two or three, or a special interested few.

And finally, communicate and explain.  Keep the American people informed (Truthfully!).  Tell us, show us.  Tell us why you believe a certain foreign policy is crucially important.  Show us why you believe a certain country, a people and its nation, are important, critical to our national interests and need our support.  What is at stake?  Spell it out.  Let us know why you believe this to be the case.  Make it clear to the average American citizen on the street.  Your position as a representative demands that you do as much. 

This is how I think our Congressional and State representatives should handle themselves when addressing foreign and international crisis.