Local Voices: American Foreign Policy

From the desk of Bob Malkas

I am writing a book analyzing how American history is being taught in our public schools and comparing it to what was once the case. I decided to share one assignment from the book before it is published because it is information that should be known today.

Assignment No. 7 American Foreign Policy: Will they be ready?

High school students have the capacity to understand the nuances of American foreign policy, and in our present world it becomes a necessity so they will be prepared to deal with it and support effective policies when they become the leaders and defenders of American culture. That is only if the curriculum directors of their schools allow it.

Historically, the foreign policy of the United States has revolved around four main objectives:

1. The protection of the United States and its citizens and allies
2. The assurance of continuing access to international resources and markets
3. The preservation of a balance of power in the world
4. The protection of human rights and democracy

Americans living today in a troubled world should evaluate for themselves if these objectives are still being pursued. Are those who are administrating our foreign policy on an international level showing us that they are doing the job required to maintain those principles?

China has adopted an international strategy. It is called Belt and Road Initiative. It is a global infrastructure development plan begun in 2013 to invest in other countries. Records will show that it has been successful in nearly 150 countries. It is the centerpiece of Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s foreign policy.

The Belt and Road Initiative is believed by some analysts to be China’s way to extend their economy and political influence throughout the globe. It has been successful because China has already engaged 149 countries and 30 international organizations to be included in it.

In 2009 a book was published by British journalist Martin Jacques that analyses the Belt and Road Initiative. The subtitle will tell you everything you need to know about its contents: When China Rules the World: The Rise of the Middle Kingdom and the End of the Western World will be the result.

As of 2022 the Belt and Road Initiative is still pursuing those objectives in Asia, Europe, and parts of Africa advancing the transcontinental, long-term policy and investment programs which aims at infrastructure development projects in those countries. Now some reports say they have entered Cuba, 90 miles off the Florida coast.

To protect the American people our leaders who are directing our foreign policy decisions must be able to respond to what China has been achieving, but unfortunately, they are not.

Adding the need of an immediacy for a policy response we are now hearing reports that Chinese-backed interests are buying large tracts of farmland in the United States. What could be their reasons, and why have our leaders and social media stayed quiet?

As we move into 2023 our future generations must be ready to follow how our leaders respond to this clear and present danger. And those now in high school should not be afraid to ask questions, always remembering that “power” rests in the people.

Bob Malkas