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Because of our role as the world’s only superpower, we must set an example for peaceful means of resolving conflicts whenever possible. War never leads to solutions − everyone loses by the destruction of lives and resources. We should work tirelessly to resolve issues that have the potential to bring us to war. The reason for going to war only can be a clear threat to our country after all peaceful means of resolving conflicts are exhausted. Seeking support for war under the guise of “supporting our troops” makes a mockery out of the lives and resources that our country is sacrificing. The best strategy is to address the underlying problems that create instability and eventually lead to war.

Only a willingness to engage both those we like and those we don’t in constructive dialogue can start us on the road to resolution. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain by this approach, but we must be willing to let go of our judgments of others and their lifestyles. We must learn to be respectful of people and cultures that we may or may not understand.

Whether at war or not, we should go after the “hearts and minds” of people in those countries with which we have potential conflicts. We should invest in making their living conditions better and helping them to stabilize their lives – including their economies, schools, medical care, etc. – so that they can see that we are on their side. This will undermine the efforts of those who teach them to hate us. They must know that our intent is not to suppress them or to impose our culture. This policy is much more likely to succeed – and less expensive - than using only military means to back the factions that we believe are most likely to support us. All people are born with the same basic physical and emotional needs. Everyone desires food and shelter and a stable economy so that they and their families can thrive. Everyone desires recognition as valuable human beings who will contribute to society when given an opportunity. In the most important ways, people are no different from one country to another.

Our country has lost faith in the ability of our leaders to resolve our conflicts and get us out of wars that never end. We too often become engaged in adversarial relations with those with whom we disagree, rather than working to resolve our differences respectfully. But we must recognize and respect the value and uniqueness of the individuals in countries that need assistance or guidance in development. Also, it is preferable to give the credit for these programs to the current governments of those countries, who may be threatened by a concern that their people will turn against them and toward us. This would stabilize these countries, benefit their people, and diminish their threat to us. As we “walk softly” to back governments that truly support their people, our international relations will drastically improve.

We need leaders who will do what works to restore our respect among the nations and people of the world. Our current efforts are seen by many people as favoring those who oppress them. Whether we like it or not, people expect us to be peacemakers. Whenever possible we must act with the cooperation of international organizations. We must make it clear that we are not on the side of forces that oppress people, but on the side of those who support them in having more stable and successful lives.