Spring Break
Column: The Selfish Progressive
Benjamin F Farkas, International Relations Columnist
Issue date: 1/8/08 Section: Opinion
A progressive approach to international relations - emphasizing values such as human rights and equitable economic development - seems on the surface to be unrealistic, regardless of whether it is beneficial or not, largely because the makers of foreign policy act in what they think are the interests of their constituency. We may say that the constituency is the people of the policymaker's home country, or perhaps the home country as a single unit, but certainly not all the countries or peoples of the world. It is hard to juxtapose the image of an American politician advocating an end to farm subsidies with the reality of a dying African farmer.
Thus, if we want American policymakers to give serious consideration to the poor and the oppressed all over the world, we have to convince them that it is in the United States' interest for them to do so.
Fortunately, such cases may not be hard to find; a policy that fits progressive principles can bring benefits to the country adopting it. By showing concern for the welfare of citizens of another state, a government (and the state it represents) can gain the affection of the citizens of that state (much as America is - relatively speaking - popular in much of Eastern Europe for its Cold War stance). This type of relationship can be more useful than an alliance with another state's government, since an abusive government may be unstable in both heeding alliances and maintaining its existence. Indeed, once a positive attitude is established, an alliance will likely have popular support, making it more stable.
A progressive approach has particular benefits for America, which may in the future depend increasingly upon alliances with other states if it begins to lose its economic and military hegemony. By pursuing a progressive foreign policy, the US both encourages, and at times coerces, other states to pursue progressive policies. As a consequence, progressive ideals may gain importance in the international system.
Thus, if we want American policymakers to give serious consideration to the poor and the oppressed all over the world, we have to convince them that it is in the United States' interest for them to do so.
Fortunately, such cases may not be hard to find; a policy that fits progressive principles can bring benefits to the country adopting it. By showing concern for the welfare of citizens of another state, a government (and the state it represents) can gain the affection of the citizens of that state (much as America is - relatively speaking - popular in much of Eastern Europe for its Cold War stance). This type of relationship can be more useful than an alliance with another state's government, since an abusive government may be unstable in both heeding alliances and maintaining its existence. Indeed, once a positive attitude is established, an alliance will likely have popular support, making it more stable.
A progressive approach has particular benefits for America, which may in the future depend increasingly upon alliances with other states if it begins to lose its economic and military hegemony. By pursuing a progressive foreign policy, the US both encourages, and at times coerces, other states to pursue progressive policies. As a consequence, progressive ideals may gain importance in the international system.
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