The above title is from the American Enterprise Institute, a non partisan, conservative think tank, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Enterprise_Institute.
The battle over the American military presence overseas, and in the seas has been raging since 1787. The Federalists and “Republicans” of the time had long and bitter battles in Congress and in the country over whether or how we should be involved. As the various sides gained power their policy would be put in place, sometimes successfully, Barbary Pirates, WW 1 and 2; sometimes not so successfully, Vietnam.
With the probability of national wars receding, hopefully, we face however a much heightened threat of “Asymmetric” warfare. What should we do? Put troops in Iraq? Pull our soldiers out of Korea and Europe? Mothball our aircraft carriers, or build more?
One thing for sure, not being prepared to fight has encouraged idiots with power and money to kill others expecting us and our “allies” to do nothing. The examples of this are too numerous to mention, but just a few, Rwanda-Kuwait-Poland-Manchuria-Korea.
Turning our back on the responsibility to be strong is foolish; Bernie, HRC and my fellow libertarians. The responsibility to have a respectful and strong diplomatic arm is as important as the military, so to keep us out of conflict, Donald.
With our win-lose attitude in Congress and the executive branch I have little hope that passions will lose to reasoned thought. Sad. So many lessons of history both sides are ignoring.
The article below from AEI is reasoned, please take some time to read.
Peace
http://www.aei.org/publication/the-next-us-president-must-carry-a-big-stick/?utm_source=paramount&utm_medium=email&utm_content=AEITODAY&utm_campaign=060316