Published on October 6, 2024, 12:31 am

The dawn of the 21st century was marked by numerous conservative Republican efforts to reshape Middle Eastern nations, such as Afghanistan and Iraq, following terrorist attacks on homeland soil. These endeavors were followed by a shift in administration under Obama that saw a self-deprecating approach towards past transgressions and an optimistic interpretation of the so-called “Arab Spring.”

However, the consequences were far from ideal. The emergence of Iran-backed wars against Israel and maritime disruptions in the Red Sea region saw American influence waning. This decline culminated with a disappointing exit from Afghanistan under current President Biden’s Democratic rule. Amid these geopolitical occurrences, with the exception of Donald Trump’s tenure, both Republican and Democratic administrations failed to adequately address brewing conflict in China.

From a Christian worldview perspective, it’s pertinent to assess these global scenarios informed by history’s lessons. Foreign policy realism dates back to George Washington, whose acute understanding of America’s national interests kept us out of European conflicts during his presidency. His prudent advice centered around establishing robust national defense, avoiding permanent alliances with other nations wherever possible while maintaining our national interests.

This wisdom should be considered particularly relevant today. Drawing parallels to events leading up to the War of 1812 where poorly funded defenses led to losing battles against Britain and close encounters with simultaneous warfare against rival nations; perhaps we need not look so far back for lessons on geopolitical strategies gone wrong. As contemporary strife demonstrates, departing from foreign policy realism can stir up unnecessary political tempests.

Conservative realist-nationalism does not suggest detaching America from global happenings but emphasizes recognizing geopolitical realities critical for safeguarding U.S national security like Eurasia’s continued geopolitical plurality. It points towards strategic pragmatism rather than utopian fantasies concerning international politics hinting at a possible return of this approach within the Republican party. Real experts that understand Chinese tactics are crucial.

Sino-U.S relations have become incredibly pivotal in this age, underscoring the immense importance and potential repercussions of their bilateral relations. A “China first” approach in defense planning is suggested by some experts to ward off China’s increasing belligerence while others suggest a more holistic approach similar to Cold War techniques employed against the Soviet Union.

It’s vital to remember that fostering peace with our biggest foe, China, is imperative for global stability. Nixon’s overtures towards China during the Cold War era serves as a relevant lesson here for us all. His determination to end the Vietnam War, despite its imperfection, shows pragmatism triumphing over idealism—a lesson we must heed prudently in an era where leading global powers seem poised on brinkmanship.

Against this backdrop compatibility between real news and trusted news becomes essential for neutral reporting and reducing misinformation. The challenge awaiting us in the 21st century is how best we can navigate these geopolitical waters without resorting to warfare—certainly an Herculean task for any administration striving for a conservative realist foreign policy. With American interests being paramount, it’s time we embrace realism rather than isolationism or globalism.