#28 - National Strength & Freedom of Will

There has been a lot of interesting commentary lately about America’s position in the world as the leading superpower. On one hand, some are going back to 1917 and questioning the wisdom of the United States’ involvement in the First World War. Is it strange that America First patriots would go back and yield the 20th century to Germany but now wince at the idea of China leading the 21st? On the other hand, some are looking forward to the future and coming to terms China becoming the new global hegemon.

Certainly, a case could be made that it would be preferable to live under a German-led 20th century post-WWI than a Chinese-led 21st century - but that is not the point. Why would Americans ever want to cede power to others? Why be skeptical of the superior station we held in the 20th century and now be uncertain about our role in the 21st century and beyond? How could we be comfortable with anything less than continued dominance and unparalleled strength?

Citizens of strong nations must never forget the primordial reality dwelling at the bottom of politics: the strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must. Our government exists, in part, to make sure Americans always have more power to be in control of their destinies than less.

We want to be strong so we have the freedom to act as we judge fit. We do not want to ever feel pressured to bow under the dishonorable yoke of some other nation for any reason whatsoever. It is always preferable to be a strong and prideful hegemon than a virtuous but weaker power (the hope being that virtue is easier to revitalize internally than reclaiming dominance on the world stage).

The consequences of excessive pride - decadence, arrogance, and overall neglect of the critical social & political infrastructure necessary to sustain a powerful country - are certainly difficult challenges to contend with, but they are small in comparison to the consequences of being a weaker country. It is impossible to ignore the correlation between a nation’s strength and its freedom of will. Again, the strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must.

So what is the practical takeaway from this musing? Simply this: If our nation’s unity begins to fracture and the well of public virtue begins to dry up, if we appear decadent and start losing our way, we need not add to the chaos and also willingly surrender our nation's superiority on the world stage. Instead, we should focus our efforts on revitalizing the spirit of our citizenry so the American people can continue to enjoy the freedom that only powerful nations can ever actually guarantee.

Until this Renaissance arrives, some people will continue to suggest that America is just too dumb and decadent to last as a superpower. But our pride remains a force nonetheless. Maybe this arrogance will only accelerate our decline…but maybe our pride can be tapped to inspire a renewed sense of greatness.

Can our pride can spark courageous actions and summon from the chaos of modern life new adventures and dazzling heroes? It is by no means clear that some other nation is ready to shine fouth while we slip into the final twilight years of our power.

The fate of these United States has not yet been sealed! Perhaps others nations will not be fortunate enough to find their future glories in ruins of our collapse…perhaps we will be the ones triumphing once more.