Excessive Involvement in the Affairs of Other Nations

Written By: Philip Giraldi  |  Posted: Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

In his farewell address George Washington recommended that the United States chart a course that would be unique among the nations of the world. He and the other Founding Fathers had just triumphed in a revolution that challenged in part the right of Kings to wage wars based on their own personal interests or due to rivalries with other nations. Washington understood that the complex alliances that both stitched together and divided the great powers of Europe had resulted in a nearly continuous series of wars starting in the sixteenth century, bringing death to millions and economic ruin.

That Was Then
Washington advised the American people to avoid the quarrels of foreigners in his Farewell Address of 1796, "Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake; since history and experience prove, that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of Republican Government ... Excessive partiality for one foreign nation, and excessive dislike of another, cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots, who may resist the intrigues of the favorite, are liable to become suspected and odious; while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender their interests." Washington also counseled the American people to "Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all."

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