Our Responsibility to Others Who are outside the U.S.
The United States of America has a long history of foreign relations and transactions. The country’s strength dwells on its thrust for international investment and other activities that require ties to other countries. The USA has always been in the center of international affairs about foreign trade and other issues of cross-national interests. Due to its long standing history as a mediator of foreign affairs and relations especially during disputes and war, the responsibility of the United States as a whole has become a confusing and delicate topic. In these days, it is hard to know exactly what the responsibility of the United States is when it comes to people outside its geographic borders.
It almost seems natural that the United States takes the lead in fostering dialogue between countries and other international forms of communication. The success of the US practice of democracy has shown that it is capable of managing a complex country with a diverse collection of states, race and religions. The successful practice of the democratic form of government has given the US a reputation to manage and be a sort of international police for the rest of the world. This has become a large issue of debate on whether the United States truly has a responsibility towards other countries and the extent of its power to do so.
Democracy gives a chance to the smallest of the society’s sector to have a voice. This ideal is like a magnet that draws other countries in. Many of the other countries who seek the help of the US have been under a realm where their voice is not heard and given importance. The lure of the democratic way of living has thus made the USA an invaluable player in international relations. The love of freedom and the intention to dream of good governance is a goal that is shared with all humans, regardless of race or creed. Thus, the cry of countries who seek this dream is viewed as a problem universal human problem that we all share and have a moral responsibility to help with.
Greater Scope of Responsibility on an International Scale
Social responsibility and consciousness are top traits needed for international relationships to prosper . The thrust of the United States on social transformation is evident and felt in the international scene. Hence, it is easy to see why the rest of the world looks up to the US to lead in different aspects. Being in the spotlight is never easy and smooth for the US. The amount of responsibility placed on the shoulders of this social group is often met with a lot of resistance. There are many countries who do not agree to foreign interference, especially from the US. The extent of US influence and responsibility is often questioned and protested. What then is the boundary of the US when it comes to supporting or interfering with the affairs of countries outside their borders?
Basic Human Interests
In order to preserve a sense of fairness and respect for the sovereignty of other countries, the extent of help from the US must be limited to basic human interests as much as possible. When the issue in question is about life, health, peace and other basic human concerns then the US has a fair reason to help or intervene. Offering the help of the US resources in resolving issues of basic human interest in foreign soil is understandable and often welcome. However, if the issue is about politics, culture and other sensitive topics on other countries, then the United States should tread carefully before choosing to intervene.
Distribution of Power and Responsibility on Foreign Affairs
The formation of international groups who work at keeping the peace and smooth international relations is a huge step in keeping order across the world. While the US often sits as the head of these international policing groups, power is not limited to this country alone. The advantage of joining international groups for the US is that a balance and check of power is achieved. Decisions are not made solely by a homogenous group but rather by a diverse group coming from international backgrounds .
This practice of distributing power between the members of these international organizations has helped in ensuring that these groups will not be used to further the interests of one group alone.
Consent and Permission
People are naturally attracted to ideas of freedom and self-governance. Countries under dictatorial realms have consistently clamored for independence and a chance to be free. Interventions coming from the US government may be seen as threats on the freedom of these free people. Often, the aid of the US is also utilized by countries who wish to get free from a reign that is punitive and dictatorial. If the aid of the US is on such grounds and reason, then careful steps must be taken to ensure that the US does not transform into a semi dictator on this country. Offering aid is very different from assuming the whole responsibility. The extent of the US help should not make the other country feel that it is taking over. Thus, proper consent and permission should be sought before any amount of help is extended.
Cultural Sensitivity
Being responsible for many affairs outside the border of the country can be a humanitarian effort and agenda for the United States. The attitude and vision of wanting to help and being able to effect positive changes in society is basically a positive thing. However, no matter how noble the goal and vision such noble deeds can be interpreted in a different way when seen by other countries. Cultural differences can make a simple deed of help from the US to be seen as an unwelcome threat or attack. Hence, the scenario becomes a more complicated one. This is the reason why foreign trade and relations is never done in a haphazard way. Many simple and seemingly meaningless actions should be analyzed in order to carry an international transaction in the most culturally sensitive way.
There is so much more to cultural sensitivity than simply knowing what not and what to say in a conversation. Values, morals, norms and other considerations must be pondered upon and given careful thought. Imagine how people from the same country face looming challenges when it comes to interactions. These cultural differences are blown up when an aid coming from a larger and more powerful country like the United States comes into play.
A Changing World Equals a Change in Responsibilities
The effects of modernization are seen in the changing face of world trade and relations. Many things were made possible by the advancement of technology. Thus, unique problems are seen today that cannot be possible twenty years ago. Along with this change, many challenges and difficulties are also born. The role of the United States as an international mediator for different foreign affairs is also changing because of this. The changing world has also transformed the roles and responsibilities of the US to the rest of the world.
The Danger of a World without Borders
Technology has transformed the world into a small society that can be reached out through a few clicks of the mouse. The vision of a world without borders as a result of this high technology society may seem like the ideal form of living. However, there are inherent dangers and risks to this so called world without borders . Issues about how to manage people who have easy access to unlimited and instant interaction with a different culture arise.
Global Ethics and Its complicated nature
The United States also has problems and struggles within their own country. However, this does not mean that issues of international importance will be swept under the rug. In the first place, the US holds some of the most developed military and defense systems. Hence, the strategic position makes them legally responsible for protecting people and countries that are less able to maintain this level of military preparedness. It will never be an easy option to simply turn a blind eye and ear on all the other countries who seek the help of US or other more developed countries. Their better position creates the moral obligation to do some effort to reach out to other countries and help them achieve a better state. It may be impossible to dream that the other countries will instantly recover from their own problems. This dream will not happen overnight and the aid of the US will seem to be meaningless at first. No matter how futile, the aid given by the US will at least change a few lives one at a time.
Finding the Right Balance
In global trade, it will be very difficult to achieve a perfect formula and clear cut solution. Human interactions are affected by different factors and other uncontrollable circumstances. The role of the United States in the international scene cannot be declared as good or bad at a glance. The human obligation to help will always be present and it is understandable to see why the United States and other developed countries try to reach out and intervene in the affairs of other states. Achieving the perfect balance of caring for other countries while maintaining the pride and respect that they need is always a tough call. What a country in need of aid welcomes today may be considered as an unwelcome act tomorrow. Thus, the need for constant updating and consultation is a necessity.
It is not easy to define the responsibility of US on other countries and the extent to which such help and responsibilities are deemed welcome. Every effort to understand this situation will help in shaping the future of foreign trade and relations. The US may be in the frontline of this entire cycle but in the end, the fate of the countries involved should be considered. The future of international relations is ever changing and the key to a good future is cooperation and unity among countries and not simply for the US alone.
Bibliography
Bartlett, CA and SG Boston. "Managing Across Borders: The Transnational Solution." American Foreign Policy Interests (1999): 20-22.
Doh, JP and TR Gua. "Corporate Social Responsibility, Public Policy, and NGO Activism in Europe and the United States: An Institutional-Stakeholder Perspective." Journal of Management Studies (2006): 47 - 73.
Hasan, R. "Reflections on Foreign Direct Investment and Development with Reference to Non-Governmental Organizations and Corporate Social Responsibility." Critical Sociology (2013): 37 - 43.
Küng, Hans, and John Stephen Bowden. Global responsibility: In search of a new world ethic. Crossroad Publishing Company, 1991.
