Sovereignty: Liberal Democracies and the Emerging World: Part 2

It is incumbent upon America to shut the hell up, and actively listen to our fellow international community members. All ongoing indications point towards a course in which America will become more entangled with our fellow global nation states as the years pass into decades. Also, due to escalating globalization efforts, (and through constructive dialog), we need to intimately understand each nation state's challenges. 

Only after we understand these facts (and do a better job of establishing a rapport), can we seek to aide nations and their citizens down a road which leads to collective security through reforms in governance. America needs to be willing to understand that democracy first, (before economic reforms, judicial reforms or media safeguards, etc, etc.) is not generally the most effective way to achieve stability and openness in the governance of other societies.

But central to this thesis, is the idea that we need to master the long view, if we really want to help change the face of our world. These developments, rapprochements, and interactions do not produce results over night. Nor do they frequently lead to useful campaign slogans to garner populist favor during elections. It is hard work to produce a safer, well connected, truly globally integrated world.

To this point we have an extensive history of trying to impose our will on others. And that will has largely been governed by the expediency of the moment. Now it's time to lead through mindful listening, and being willing to do the long and tedious work of taking the steps necessary to insure stable growth, economic emergence, implementation of reforms (specifically in governance) that assist in producing better quality of life in other countries. We need to be active in offering and investing in our relationships with the developing world, especially in regards to food, medical, energy and education assistance. Then, and only then, will we have partnered with countries to sow the seeds of a safer and potentially more liberal (once again 19th century classical liberalism definition) world. 

The emerging world is hungry for economic development, and the fruits of prosperity. As this hunger increases pressure on the environment, and resources become more scarce, it will ever more important for America to solidify it's position as a global social/political/economic aggregator. We are the most politically stable and prosperous nation on the globe and can achieve much if we maintain that position. 

The first step, toward effectively re-establishing our soft power, is listening to our fellow nation states and their people, and using diplomacy first, and force of arms as an absolute last resort. Only then can we invite, and receive continued support, for our position as the hub that makes the wheel of the world work.  

Perpetuating our global significance means keeping our power in check, and our minds open.

(Housekeeping note: SP recognizes that many of the issues contained in O & E, are highly complex, and can only receive cursory examination in a single blog post. The reader should note that several of these title threads are ongoing pieces of a broader conversation that will take place over time.)