The debate on the US imperialism is quite lasting. Many Americans see this word as the embodiment of the evil even though this is only a term for certain kind of foreign policy. The debate is still taking place as some Americans exaggerate negative sides of this approach. When talking about imperialism, some people talk about “water tortures”, horrors of war, casualties and violating principles of democracy (Hoar 1). However, even if sometimes such facts take place, and I believe those I very rare cases, they are an insignificant cost compared to the benefits of the spread of democracy in the western hemisphere. More so, these negative effects can be easily diminished and they will be eliminated with the US efficient governance and foreign policy. At the same time, the benefits of the US imperialism cannot be overestimated.
First, the US imperialism can enable the western hemisphere develop in peace. Roosevelt stressed that “all the civilized and orderly powers” should “insist on the proper policing of the world” (qtd. in Henretta, Edwards and Self 638). The USA is the country that has the necessary experience and enough resources to help new democracies flourish. We have built our democratic society that has become exemplary for the rest of the world.
We have helped many nations obtain their independence and we can help them build truly democratic societies. Of course, some people may be unprepared and, hence, unwilling to live in a new world as they are accustomed to corrupted systems of the old order. This is where the US force is needed to help the majority of people living in those countries develop new societies where corrupted leaders will not exploit the entire nation. No one can say that the desire to contribute to the peace in the region is an evil practice.
Secondly, this approach to the foreign policy is beneficial for the US economy. Developing proper relations with emerging democracies will enable our society to develop new financial ties. American entrepreneurs and companies will produce goods that will enter the international market. They will also get an access to various resources available in the countries of the Americas. This will be a beginning of the unlimited trade among nations of the western hemisphere. This can be a start of the new economic revolution in the history of the United States as availability of affordable resources will be beneficial for the US economy as well as each American in particular.
Besides, the US imperialism will make the USA an influential state in the world arena. As has been mentioned above, this will be an important stride to a prosperous American society as the ability to affect international affairs will be important for the country. We will have an opportunity to tell the rest of the world about alternative ways. We will be able to protect our national interests. We will not have to follow rules set by other empires, as we will be able to negotiate and develop laws that will take into account our interests as well. The influence of such countries as Britain, Spain and France in the region is still strong and it often creates certain difficulties for development of the US economy.
This will come to an end with efficient foreign policy of the United States. Everybody will agree that the desire to be an equal partner in the international politics is not an evil practice.
Apart from obvious international benefits, the USA will be able to improve its economy. Availability of resources and new markets will boost the development of the US economy. We will be able to create new jobs and attract investments to the spheres that most need it (Henretta, Edwards and Self 641).
At present, the US economy is stagnating and many people are unable to get employment. The government does not have funds to develop education, technology, science. This road leads nowhere and the US government should act immediately. The US imperialism is one of the most efficient ways to solve this issue. I doubt that politicians will convince people that they should not grab an opportunity that arises from the new foreign policy. I doubt that Americans will accept arguments about some hypothesized wrongs (which are yet to be proved) of the policy that can bring food to their tables.
In conclusion, it is possible to note that there can be some sentiments against the US imperialism. Some people may focus on some instances of seemingly unjust activities. However, it is clear that this approach to the foreign policy is advantageous for the country as well as other states in the western hemisphere in the long run. Of course, we should minimize all possible downsides of the process to avoid the use of force and casualties as well as destruction of cities. This is the task of the US diplomacy that has become mature and strong. I strongly believe that the US imperialism will bring peace and prosperity to the region and future generations will be proud of the choices we are making now.
Works Cited
Henretta, James A., Rebecca Edwards and Robert O. Self. America: A Concise History. Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2012. Print.
Hoar, George F. “Against Imperialism.” Congressional Record. 57th Congress. 1st Session. 1902. Print.