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Matthews 1
Abigale Matthews
Mr. Wade Christian
EN140
29 March 2016
No Way Out
The world is at a time when interactions among the nations are more dynamic than ever.
In a time when almost every military intervention seems to prove frivolous and it feels like
America just can’t win anymore, isolationism is not the answer. In the past, following major
wars, America has drawn back to itself and focused on domestic issues. This policy phenomena
is known as isolationism. Merriam-Webster defines this as fithe belief that a country should not
be involved with other countries.” Isolationism is not the best solution to the nation’s domestic
problems. Isolationism has never solved a domestic problem and it played a key role in the onset
of the Great Depression. It is definitely not time to turn a blind eye. The United States needs to
be active, efficient, and effective when it comes to twenty-first century international relations.
Those in the world of business are constantly looking for the best deal, as are the
consumers. In his article, Murray Weidenbaum asserts that, fiemployees, customers, suppliers,
and investors in U.S. companies are increasingly participating in the international economy” (2).
In today’s electronic world, there are virtually no economic borders. A Conference Board survey
of U.S. manufacturers showed that sales at firms with foreign relations grow at twice the rate of
those without effective foreign relations. (Weidenbaum 2) The United States desperately needs
an economic boost. The last thing we need is to cut ourselves off from the economic opportunity
that lay beyond our borders. The United States is rapidly moving from an industrial to a service
Matthews 2
economy. There are not enough sources of production left in the country for it to sustain itself.
Isolationism will only keep us from the benefits of trade and finding the best deals.
The relationships forming and growing between the nations of the world are more
dynamic than ever. Allies rely on each other to stand against terrorism and support each other’s
military efforts. The United States needs to maintain a positive relationship with their allies in
order to have someone to rely on for trade and military support. The United States’ allies need to
know that they are reliable. If not, we do not deserve to have them to depend on. It is important
to stay involved with nations that we consider allies as well as those we are at war, at risk of war,
or simply do not associate well with. Considering the country owes over $366 billion to China
(U.S. National Debt Clock) we literally cannot cut ties with them. They also depend on America
to buy a large amount of their exports. They would not stand to see the U.S. turn their backs and
