What Role Should the Us Play in World Affairs in the 21st Century?

The US role in 21st century world affairs must shape an international community that benefits US interests, and is neither dependent on nor antagonistic to US global supremacy. The US may achieve this by relying on soft power and the influence of our global allies and competitors to accomplish our national security goals. America should lead world affairs through cooperation and sharing of our ideals to solve geopolitical problems, rather than relying primarily on our military preeminence. The current National Strategy calls for the United States to lead the international order “as a nation first among equals”, suggesting that it is the citizens’ responsibility to encourage stability, foster economic growth, promote democratic values, and protect global strategic interests while respecting the intertwined goals and values of the global community. America must rely on this softer strategy as we proceed into the next decade, in order to ensure our dominance at home and abroad. This forward-thinking role is practical because the world of the 21st century is a multilateral world where, while retaining military, economic, and cultural preeminence, the US may be challenged by adversaries and allies alike as power shifts and resources become scarcer. In the coming decades, our strength will rely on the ability to persuade rather than coerce our global neighbors, and to work “through, by and with” partners to cross-level political and economic burdens.

In today’s globalizing world, US interests are increasingly intertwined with those of our allies and opponents. Access to strategic resources and pathways for trade – Afghanistan and the developing South and Central Asia transnational lines of communication in particular – exposes Americans to foreign cultures where a citizens’ ability to freely express themselves democratically will not always mirror our values. In this environment, Americans must abide by democratic principles at home, and pursue our