Be Indispensable
Peace and prosperity around the world are threatened by the rise of nationalism and isolationism in the United States.
We have to fight it.
There is a movement to wall off our country from immigrants, physically and legally. Nearly half of Americans say they’re okay abandoning international agreements that protect our planet from the irreversible effects of climate change and prevent nuclear proliferation. Our current leaders treat our closest allies as vassals — not partners — demanding they pay up for our protection.
This is not who we are. America was founded on the idea that all people are created equal, are entitled to free expression, and should have the same opportunities to succeed. We welcome strangers, we stick to our promises, and we help the less fortunate. We do so not only because these are moral goods, but because they are strategic guides that increase justice, peace, and prosperity the world over.
America is abdicating its role in the world as other countries rush to fill the void. The stakes are high. Unless we change course, three outcomes are likely:
- There will be more unnecessary wars.
- There will be fewer personal and political freedoms and less equality around the world.
- There will be less opportunity for American workers and employers.
How have nationalism’s divisive and isolationist views become ascendant? We group ourselves into self-selected echo chambers that only confirm and amplify existing biases. That allows our public leaders to drive home an ideology that exploits fear and victimization.
Indispensable exists to combat nationalism by highlighting the benefits of an America engaged in the world. We break through the walls we’ve build to separate our conversations. We educate American citizens, and inspire them to take action.
