U.S. Presence on the International Stage

                There are many threats to the United States as the great world power. Militarily, the U.S. is much more advanced and staffed than any other nation. Nuclear weapons will always be a threat to any nation and human kind as a whole. Because nuclear weapons present such a threat to the entire world, it is not likely the greatest threat to U.S. power. The greatest threat to U.S. power comes from more unexpected places, for example, its lack of presence or involvement on the international stage. This lack of participation can then lead to other nations feeling able and more willing to challenge U.S. power and authority.

                So why has the U.S. reduced its presence on the international stage? There are many possible motives for this. The U.S. may be more inwardly focused when there is no intense international threat such as war. Focusing on internal turmoil and pressures may keep the U.S. from exerting great amounts of strength internationally, as we see in our military presence reduction overseas and in general. Also, constant involvement in foreign affairs may at times bring bad publicity, both domestically and internationally. The U.S. or political leaders of the U.S. could be trying to avoid this negative view towards the U.S. or U.S. leadership. Sometimes it is easiest to avoid being the “bad guy”.

                The solution is not to draw back into an excluded internal looking system, but to maintain involvement and international participation. This is not simply militarily, but also diplomatically, for humanitarian presence, and others. If we keep our participation and authority on the international stage we avoid nations, or groups of nations banning together, from assuming they can challenge the U.S. or from choosing to try to overthrow the U.S. as a great power.