America Must Take an Interventionist Role in Foreign Policy Essay

The people of the African country of Somalia are in critical need of help. The years are 1991-1992, and a serious civil war and devastating drought have caused a widespread famine throughout the country. Numerous international relief organizations have sent food and medical aid, but Somalian rebels have confiscated the varying supplies and either used it for themselves, or destroyed it. By late 1992, the nation was in complete anarchy, and hundreds of thousands of Somalians were dying, from starvation, dehydration, or fighting. In response, a U.S. military force entered Somalia to try to restore order and ensure that suffering Somalians received food and medical care. Thanks to these rescuing efforts, millions of people were saved from sure death (Robbins 93). Since its beginning, America has faced the ever-continuing problem of how to handle its foreign policies. When looking at the options, there are often two general ideas: isolationism and interventionism. An isolationist nation avoids allies, and avoids getting involved with foreign affairs and conflicts. ...