International Communication and Negotiations

 

The post-World War II period followed later on by the Cold War saw the United States establish itself as a powerful state. This feat meant that the country could exert more influence across the world hence the need for a detailed foreign policy. Such foreign policies are made to fulfill the nation’s interests and to a certain extent, those of the international community. While the intentions of such policies may be genuine, the results are not always positive as expected, leaving several lessons to be learned.

One of these lessons is that intervention in other countries should be done in a careful and calculated manner to avert the problem of moral hazards. This is a situation where groups are encouraged to launch rebellions expecting diplomatic and military intervention hence success in their endeavors (Kuperman 50). This issue is well-demonstrated by the Bosnia secession from Yugoslavia in the 1990s. The recognition of Bosnia by the US encouraged the insurgents to fight on (Kuperman 62). The Bosnians expected many deaths, a price they were willing to pay to attract International sympathy (Kuperman 63). To avert cases of humanitarian genocides and ethnic cleansings, the US foreign policy on intervention should be able to identify and discourage any unnecessary rebellions.

In the 21^st century, US foreign policy has increasingly been focused on anti-terrorism in the wake of extremism. This has led to the invasion of countries to flush out insurgents such as is the case with the Taliban in Afghanistan and ISIS in Syria. Lessons have also been learned in this case. For instance, the former policy of killing the extremist groups and attaining victory has been found ineffective. Instead, diplomatic efforts and reconciliation have been found to work better (Christia and Semple 35). One of the suggestions is that the Taliban leaders can be encouraged to defect (Christia and Semple 36). This change in policy has been noted as is the case with the recently canceled meeting between President Donald Trump, the Afghan president, and the Taliban leaders aimed at promoting peace. However, the US foreign policy may continue to be held hostage by the Military-Industrial Complex. This is an arrangement between the defense department and the private military contractors which profits heavily from sales of arms and other defense equipment, hence benefiting from wars.

Several lessons have been learned from past US foreign policies. These include avoiding interventions that may encourage rebellions in other countries, also known as ‘moral hazards.’ Also, rather than focusing on war to combat extremist groups, reconciliation should be encouraged. These lessons ensure a better foreign policy for both the US and the international community.

 Works Cited

Christia, Fotini, and Michael Semple. “Flipping the Taliban-How to Win in Afaghanistan.” Foreign Aff. 88 (2009): 34-45.

Kuperman, Alan J. “The moral hazard of humanitarian intervention: Lessons from the Balkans.” International Studies Quarterly 52.1 (2008): 49-80.