A Moral Foreign Policy

Paper Summary:

This paper studies the interests that motivate U.S. foreign policy and argues that the U.S. should adopt a new position that aims to protect human rights everywhere. The paper begins with a review of foreign policy positions from the Cold War until today. Next the paper explores -- and criticizes -- U.S. foreign policy regarding E. Timor and Colombia. The paper discusses the dehumanization of world cultures and the trumping of economy of morality. Finally, the paper concludes that the United States must re-humanize its policy approach. Specific recommendations include acting in a truly multilateral fashion through the United Nations to protect human rights wherever violations occur.

From the Paper:

"The origin of United States involvement in East Timor dates back to the Cold War. In 1975, on the eve of the invasion, "with the wounds of Vietnam still fresh, it wasn't difficult for [then-President] Suharto to persuade [Ford and Kissinger] that military action against East Timor was necessary to stamp out another 'communist' enclave." This provided the American government with an excuse to ignore and cover up reports of massive human rights violations. The United States remained silent about the violence because of Suharto's "open door policy for Western capital investment." By 1981, United States exports to Indonesia totaled $1 billion per year. Corporate investments in the country surpassed $600 million. In June 1980, Richard Holbrooke, then the Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, addressed Congress about Indonesia's importance as a key United States ally in the region."

More papers on A Moral Foreign Policy:

• Persuasive Essay # 105177 : "Is U.S. Foreign Policy Moral?"
• Analytical Essay # 134671 : "Morality in US Foreign Policy"
• Essay # 67194 : "Foreign Affairs of America"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: