I believe our money in Iraq would be much better spent in these arenas, which are underserved now, and which have long been under the auspices of relief organizations and the United Nations, among others. Instead of shoving our ideas down other country's throats, I wish we would take a more humanitarian role, and stop trying to convert everyone to democracy and our own way of thinking.
One of Ferguson's arguments for liberal imperialism is the argument that many Third World and evolving nations do not have the resources or even the abilities to govern themselves, and this is certainly a compelling argument. He writes, "Might it not be that for some countries some form of imperial governance, meaning a partial or complete suspension of their national sovereignty, might be better than full independence, not just for a few months or years but for decades?" (Ferguson 170). This statement is reasonable, can be argued, and seems to be fairly benign. Certainly, there are nations who may not be capable of governing themselves for a time. I do not believe that time should stretch into decades, and I do not believe that America should be the only nation who bears responsibility in this case. It seems a group of nations, or a group like the U.N. would be best suited to maintain the peace and promote new governments in these cases, and not one nation, who might be tempted to push their own beliefs and ideals on these emerging nations.
It is quite clear Ferguson has done his research for this text. A respected...
He uses extensive quotes from American and worldwide sources to make his points, and backs up his many opinions with sound, well-researched material. This book is controversial at best, but it is a book that should be on the bookshelf of every American who worries about the future and wonders what history has in store for the United States and its foreign policies. If America continues to build an empire, as many believe it is currently doing, I believe we will make more enemies in the world, and that will lead to more violence, terrorist attacks, and a very negative view of America and Americans. I believe America has a vital role in the world order, but I do not believe in the necessity for a liberal empire, even though Ferguson does argue his ideals quite well. I believe instead that America should be more benevolent, less militaristic, and more concerned about fixing some of the problems at home, like inflation, hunger, bankruptcy, immigration, and the many other issues that are threatening the well-being of Americans. That may seem selfish, but right now, it seems like the only way many Americans are going to survive the crises that face us right here at home.
References
Ferguson, Niall. Colossus: The Rise and Fall of the American Empire. New York: The Penguin Press,…
