America cannot retreat — the world is a safer place when we lead

Isolationist: favoring a policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups (Oxford Dictionary).

America must protect our national security. The crisis at the southern border is just one example of why prioritizing national security is essential to protect our citizens’ safety. Illicit drugs and individuals on the terrorist watch list are coming into our country and must be stopped. Beyond our border, America needs a strong, prepared, and focused military to keep us secure at home while our servicemen and women fight wars abroad.

But America does not exist as an island. We must have an engaged and strong presence in foreign policy. In the face of international conflict, America has a choice — to lead or retreat.

The decision we make affects the globe. The whole world takes note of how America responds to threats of war, invasions and attacks on our allies. They look to America’s leadership.

Our lack of leadership in foreign policy over the past few years has led to more conflicts, like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Hamas’ attack on Israel, and China’s looming threat to invade Taiwan.

Right now, we are experiencing the highest number of violent conflicts since the Second World War, and several of these began after the Biden administration’s weak foreign policy took effect. The unfortunate fruit of the lack of leadership is seen in the power vacuum created from the sloppy, and deadly, withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, making space for more oppression and violence in the Middle East.

At the beginning of 2022, President Biden described how America’s response to a Russian invasion of Ukraine would depend on how “Russia went about it.” One month later, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and since, America has failed to produce a strong plan of opposition to Russia’s tyranny.

When America retreats from fighting violence and terrorism, our enemies are all too eager to take our place. This doesn’t mean we need boots on the ground in every country, but we must remain a beacon of freedom and demonstrate peace through strength.

Leaders like Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Teddy Roosevelt rejected isolationism. Under their administrations, authoritarian, communist and tyrannical rule could not stand. Their leadership helped bring peace to world wars, led to the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the ultimate collapse of the Soviet Union’s communist policies.

Right now, in America, we are once again faced with opportunities to lead or retreat in the fight against authoritarians, communists and terrorists. We are at an inflection point. America should stand for democracy in Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan and all across the globe, and stand in strong opposition to those who disagree. 

We must take a strong stance to promote democracy and freedom on the world stage. Each country does not have to look like America, but we must be clear in our mission, ready to act, and steadfast in keeping our word. We cannot retreat, for the world is a safer place when America leads.

Dusty Johnson represents South Dakota at large.