Since World War II, the United States has been the undisputed leader and admired model for the world, a force for good, rooted in freedom and democracy. Our image has now declined, per Pew Research, due to low confidence in our current president.
The withdrawal from international organizations and rude treatment of allies has altered the perception of the United States as a friend, and damaged global relationships. Partnerships that had taken decades to build have been strained by unpredictable and hostile actions. Our grandchildren will pay for this contempt of history.
Recently, our allies in the Middle East were bombed; they lost lives and suffered damage because of an ill-planned war. Peace in that region is fragile and the domino effect easily pulls many countries into a conflict. Denmark sent troops to Greenland because of threats to seize allied territory. Global alliances are not real estate transactions, but rooted in mutual respect. Revengeful tariffs have damaged relations with Canada. Nearly two-thirds of our northern neighbors have an unfavorable view of the United States. These and other offended countries will seek new partners and trade agreements.
Soft diplomacy, like USAID, constituted less than 1% of the federal budget, yet effectively promoted stability and leadership abroad. The pernicious decision to eliminate aid erodes our prominence worldwide, as an estimated120 million people lost access to food, medicine and education.
The electorate also bears blame for damage to our international image. Our allies no longer find us trustworthy because we twice placed an impulsive and incompetent individual in the world’s most powerful position. Countries will restore confidence in us only if we do better.
Evelyn Gallegos
Brighton
