Restoring America’s Reputation, Starting in Chicago

The behavior and foreign policy failures of President Trump in his first six months have undercut the confidence of our allies and threaten the existing world order by emboldening our enemies. Trump has carelessly inflamed relations with North Korea through idle threats as they have accelerated their nuclear development capabilities, increasing the likelihood of conflict and putting the lives of millions at risk. He has concurrently isolated some of our closest allies in Canada, Australia, and Germany, while feeding into populist sentiments in Great Britain.

The Trump doctrine, America First, says the United States should not impose our ideology on or meddle in the business of other countries. This approach to foreign affairs allows oppressive regimes in communist countries and dictatorships to persecute their own people without fear of retribution. Trump has been silent for months on the atrocious reports of concentration camps for gay men in Chechnya, which paves the way for future human rights violations without consequence.

The rhetoric of an America First agenda also instigates a widespread fear of foreigners at home and increases hostility towards immigrants, refugees, as well as religious and racial minorities. The recent terrorist attack on a Minnesota mosque is just one example of increasing hostility towards American Muslims, who have much more to fear today than most Americans. Again, Trump has failed to condemn these attacks.

As the only superpower in the world, it is a fundamental responsibility of the United States to promote democracy and defend human rights around the world. The ability to do so is dependent on our legitimacy in the eyes of those we wish to influence. While hard power from military strength is important for our defense and deterrence, soft power from economic strength enables us to project American values through sound diplomacy and economic assistance.

Chicago is an epicenter of major industry and culture. The city is a powerhouse as the third largest population and economy in the United States. The strength of this economy contributes to our nation’s soft power in a major way — but the city has an international reputation for its problems with racism, poverty, inequality, violence, and police relations. Chicago’s reputation as a dangerous place is bad for America because, like Trump, it erodes U.S. legitimacy as a free and fair nation.

Chicago is on stage with a worldwide audience giving Chicagoans an opportunity to influence U.S. national security now more than ever. Fixing our city’s problems and improving its reputation will strengthen the country’s ability to promote universal values abroad by drawing upon the power of our example. Promoting democracy and defending human rights around the world will mitigate major international conflicts. In other words, making Chicago a better place to live will improve our national security.

Every day is an opportunity to make the city a better place to live and improve our image abroad. Teachers and afterschool mentorship programs give underprivileged students a fighting chance to succeed. Consumers and investors supporting minority-owned businesses and underserviced areas of the city promotes a more even economy. People putting aside political views and predispositions to treat each other with dignity and respect regardless of their accent, skin color, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation makes Chicago a safer place for residents and tourists alike.

Through deliberate thought and action, we can all have a positive impact on the perception of Chicago, and America, to reverse the damage done by President Trump on our foreign relations —to reestablish the trust of our allies and mitigate future conflicts by continuing to promote democracy and defend human rights.

Learn more with the Truman National Security Project / Chicago Chapter. Class of 2018 applications are now open, apply today!

Dan Misch is a U.S. Navy veteran and member of the Truman National Security Project’s Defense Council. Views expressed are his own.