Summary
American foreign policy should:
- reflect both our national interest and our values
- be aligned with our allies in NATO and other regions
- be non-partisan
- make it clear that seizing territory through military force is unacceptable
America’s national defense should:
- Be second to none in its capabilities across all dimensions of military preparedness
- Be supported by defense spending of at least 3% of GDP
This policy position contains five subsections: Russia, China, Defense Spending, the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, and Nation Building. You will find a poll about each of those issues at the end of each subsection.
If you have already made up your mind about the general policy principles stated above, then scroll to the bottom of the page and take the poll to let us know how you feel. If you need to hear more, please read the background section below.
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Background
Historically, U.S. foreign policy has been far more bipartisan than domestic policy. As recently as twenty years ago there would have been little need for CIVPAC to weigh in on these issues.
Sadly, the bipartisan character of American foreign policy has been undermined by political polarization in general. We are also concerned that the rise of social media may have created new opportunities for foreign governments to influence American elections in order to shape U.S. foreign policy. We think the best defense against foreign manipulation is a well-informed electorate and transparency laws that makes clear whether foreign agents are behind social media efforts to influence elections.
Philosophy on Defense and Foreign Policy Issues
We believe that nations generally act in their own self-interest and are therefore suspicious of policy prescriptions that resemble unilateral disarmament or “leading by example” and expecting others to follow. Nevertheless, America is stronger with strong and enduring alliances. Maintaining alliances sometimes means acting in the interests of the entire alliance rather than pursuing our narrow, short-term interests at every moment.
We also believe that we ought not to violate our own principles in the pursuit of tactical advantages, for us or our allies, in international conflicts.
We believe that our unique history creates a form of American exceptionalism and that America is and should be a force for good in the world.
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Your input helps us refine these policy positions.