US National Security

In the United States National Security document constructivist, liberal, and realist principles underline the policies of the United States in the field of international affairs. The United States has the identity of a democratic, free nation that respects human rights and justice. Since the United States wants to project this image around the world it sets out to influence other parts of the world with its value system. Part of United States foreign policy is to promote democracy throughout the world and assist nations in their transformation to democratic states. Furthermore the United States asserts its commitment to freedom, equality, and human rights which it tries to spread throughout the world. Not only does this further entrench the American identity but it injects American culture into various parts of the world which guards the United States against possible attacks. People who share our culture are less likely to attack us because they see us as similar to themselves. Likewise the United States vehemently opposes terrorism in the document and stresses that because we have the identity of a powerful, democratic state we have a duty to root out terrorism.

The democratization of nations across the globe serves American interests because those nations are less likely to go to war with democratic nations like our self according to liberal international relations theory. Another liberal piece of the US National Security document was that the United States seeks to engage in and encourage free markets and free trade throughout the world. Such trade is likely to diminish the level of conflict since nations that trade together often do not go to war with one another for fear of harming their own interests. Economic ties will make the United States secure by eliminating possible threats and creating allies throughout the world.

However, all of these strategies attempt to achieve a realist objective which is to provide for the security of the nation. The document emphatically states that the United States will defend itself and its allies and prevent all attacks against their security interests. It stresses that while diplomacy is the first tool of a free and democratic society such as the United States, the US will use its military strength to protect itself from its enemies should such actions become necessary. All of the constructivist and liberal policies outlined in the document are used to protect American citizens and interests around the globe. The programs asserted are all designed to keep the United States secure and while the other policy initiatives may help us achieve security, security is the ultimate goal.
Erica Peterson