The idea is pretty much dead that we can export the economic and political systems of the United States to underdeveloped countries in order to ensure their development.
Free markets and free elections do not guarantee prosperity and freedom in and of themselves. Any country requires an extensive system of support for those institutions to prevent crooks from taking over the country.
Perhaps we can actually export some good to other countries instead of waiting around until a terrorist group forces us to declare war. In addition, avoiding war can help ensure our National Security.
Warning: It may take some creative thinking.
How about this: The United States government can require that American companies operating in underdeveloped countries pay high enough wages to local workers that they can afford a middle class existence.
If companies convincingly demonstrate they cannot afford adequate wages due to competitive pressures, the United States may subsidize those wages.
Moreover, in addition we can ensure adequate medical care, decent housing and basic levels of education to those workers. Of course, we will ask workers to accept a code of conduct since they will be watched closely.
Even if the number of workers is small compared to the country's population, the United States may be seen as the purveyor of good instead of the purveyor of death.
Vendors and locals will flock to the area where the workers reside and will carry news of the good life throughout the country.
We must secure a guarantee from the local government that they will not steal the wages or benefits from the workers. If the government cannot supply that guarantee we can choose to enforce it with troops.
I want to live in a country that is respected for the good it does instead of feared for the death and misery it brings.
Yes, I understand that we need to eliminate terror threats to the homeland with violence and death. But, that CANNOT be all that we do.
