When George Washington presented his farewell address, he urged our fledgling democracy, to seek avoidance of foreign entanglements. However, as the world modernized, and our national interests spread, the possibility of not becoming involved in foreign entanglements became impossible. The arenas of open warfare and murky hostile acts have become separated by a vast gray line. Even today, choosing when and how to use US military force remain in question. The concept of national isolationism failed to prevent our involvement in World War I. Global trade has interconnected the US to regions of the globe as never before. Throughout the world, situations occur that the United States government has to decide if it is in our national interest to intervene with military force.
The common basis of national interest can run a gamut including: protecting access to natural resources, protecting allied countries, protecting US friendly national leaders, protecting American citizens and overthrowing tyrants. The United States, tends to portray itself as a neutral “peace
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That is for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Therefore, in cases where our combat forces are used, they must be committed with enough numbers, equipment, support and resolution to accomplish the object of winning the conflict. President Washington’s urgings had honest intentions, but he could never envision our modern world with its global trade network and convoluted politics. The historic use of American military force has been unevenly applied. Without doubt, a policy of American isolationism is not a possibility. Clear concise policy guidelines on the use of military force need to formulated. Our national interests will clash with the national interests of other countries or groups; we must be committed to following through with defending our policies, or we further loose our national