The United States has lead efforts in international democratization. Democracy is successful, attractive, and adaptable (Holestine, APUS, 2017). The US has been leading the movement in the spreading of a democratic state and political liberalism. The US’s military strength in recent decades has proved to lay a solid foundation for the overall global order. Recent military involvement has been injected into Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen, and many others. There are US military bases throughout the entire world, that assists in the monitoring of every ocean that preserves the international order. It is important that the US does not use this strength recklessly to dive into more wars or more conflict.
The best hope for the United States participation in the international order will be to use military and nonmilitary tools to exercise the US’s influence. The US must continue to be be present throughout the world. Military bases are vital to not only the US but to the region in which bases are located. US military bases work closely with regional countries to develop and grow their military so that they can protect themselves and to also give the citizens of that country hope, reliance on their government, and a sense of nationalism that many countries in the Middle East lack due to displacement and war. Military advise and assist roles are essential to countries in MENA. Countries like Afghanistan benefit from the US’s advise, assist, and train missions. Not only does Afghanistan benefit from being trained and educated on building a sustainable security capacity but the larger role of NATO benefits in these counter terrorism missions. US Public Affairs Officers that are located on each base abroad should also have a driven mission to unite the people of that country. Public Affairs Officers communicate to the public what the military is focusing on, training on, and their capabilities. This key role in US military should be trained to other militaries or security forces as well. Communication with the public is vital for a positive view on the government. Not only communication but feedback from the public is also essential. When citizens believe that they are being heard and feel that their government is stable, they are less likely to commit crimes and retreat to terrorist organizations for stability.
The US must maintain peace, prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and combat the spread of terrorism through means other than military capabilities as well. NGO’s that focus on providing education or rebuilding the current educational systems in crisis countries. Mr. Jorge Sequeira, UNESCO Representative to the Counter-Terrorism Initiative Task Force stated that extremism gains ground and flourishes when young people lack choices and meaning in their lives (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 2016). The US should use NGO’s to also help governments ensure a balanced view of the world in their youth’s educational programs. Political factors should not influence how future generations see the world.
The combination of both military and nonmilitary tools should be used by the US for the overall good of the international order. Focusing on education, military presence and aid in training, will give the citizens of states that are surrounded by terrorist recruitment a better outlook of the world, a more positive view of their government and military and will ultimately prevent the growth of terrorism. By focusing on these factors the US will continue to lead the way in the global international order.
References
Holestine, Jon. Lesson 8; International Order. American Public University Systems. 2017.O'Hanlon, Michael E., and Jeremy Shapiro. "America's Role in the World." Brookings. July 28, 2016. Accessed September 26, 2017. https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/americas-role-in-the-world-2/.
"The UN Secretary-General's Global Initiative on Education ." Can Education Prevent Violent Extremism? | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. 2016. Accessed September 26, 2017. http://www.unesco.org/new/en/gefi/stories-events/recent-stories/2016/can-education-prevent-violent-extremism/.
Jambo
Response-NS-08.docx
0
