The Pursuit of American Economic Growth Outside Our Borders

The United States and two member nations of NATO have been deployed to Turkey providing defensive aid due to the conflict in Syria. Even though the United States already has a military presence in Turkey, this increase in troop activity is dictating a clear movement towards American imperialism within the region. Due to the increase of western military personnel, anti-western [American] protests have been occurring at a greater rate. While it is true the Turkish government asked NATO for aid during this delicate situation, it must also be noted that governments have long stopped answering to its citizens.

Occupying a nation with military personnel is not how the United States became a hegemonic power. All empires that have stretched their militaries thin by occupying nations far beyond their borders fell. Evidence is seen from the Greeks to the British yet political leaders believe they are far more intelligent than those who preceded them. This arrogance will lead to America’s downfall while China slowly takes the reins. More importantly, as the United States continues to occupy the Middle East creating more enemies in already unapologetic region.

Regardless of the progress made in alternative energies the fact remains, oil is a critical facet of transportation that economic activity built around. One of two scenarios will occur, 1) oil is sold an extraneously high rate crippling the American economy or 2) OPEC enforces sanctions on oil imported into America, slowing trade down also crippling the economy. Neither scenario bodes well for America; changes must be made without delay. How does America regain the symbol of opportunity, prosperity and freedom it once held?

Difficult, non-mainstream ideological principles must be held that are in line with the constitution. Bringing the troops back from the 135 nations they are currently occupying is the first step. Second, America must begin to foster relationships that build business overseas. Creating economic opportunities for Americans and those abroad allows sustainable progress to be achieved. As citizens of nations living in warzones due to the occupation of western military never see their lives improve, it will only lead to long term resentment towards western ideals. Though by building, teaching and growing business practices around free market principles we cannot only improve these people’s lives, but open new trading partners. Furthermore, as they become wealthier they will demand a greater amount of goods through trade; in theory creating American jobs to meet the increased demand.

Military leaders and politicians steer from these ideas because they believe in regime change above everything. Although this is partially true, utilizing hard power tactics is not the correct method. The Cold War was won on a soft power approach employing numerous different strategies to promote the American dream. This method will take longer as shown through the Cold War but it will create lasting results; good ideas do not require force. However, America has changed since the fall of Communism and before we can begin to promote our ideals onto others we must first bring back the America as envisioned by our forefathers within the Constitution, the America that stepped into the hegemonic status as Britain fell after World War I and finally the America that defeated communism.

The complicated task will be educating the people of America that liberty, economic freedom from the government, is how America became a great nation. In essence we must use the same strategy applied towards the Soviet Union on our own people. As the ideology in America begins to realign itself with the political and economic freedom we can then begin to move forward. Anti- American protesters in the Middle East will not exist because businesses will be built on trust, capitalism and wealth. Developing an environment that fosters this doctrine will allow economic growth. It is difficult to protest an ideology, a nation or a different culture when they are putting in the same time, effort and capital to create a livelihood for themselves and their family as you.

Changes like these will not happen overnight, they will take a great deal of time and patience. Those who work towards educating, promoting and developing economic freedom built around a capitalist mentality might not live to see their efforts pay-off. However, you can rest easy knowing the next generation will be free from government oversight, imperialism and economic misfortune. Nothing worth achieving ever came without hard work and even though it appears to be an impossible undertaking, through small steps economic prosperity can be attained.