By David Amaya

It is a strange task to elucidate how the world’s most robust and influential military belongs to a liberal democracy that is not afraid to use its force to prop up democratic political regimes in foreign nations (i.e., nation build). American Exceptionalism would summarize this Wilsonian mission as benevolence. Germany and Japan are two shining examples of successful American nation building – both have successful economies and democracies. Since those two efforts (which have roots in World War II), public opinion seems to gravitate towards exiling nation building and instead align itself with ex-President Trump’s isolationist agenda – “America First.”

One bridge that connects the American political divide is the overwhelmingly negative response to America’s nation building attempt in Afghanistan. An ability to nation- build that once gave us credibility and respect (Germany’s and Japan’s democracies) has now become our folly and walk of shame as we exit Afghanistan. 

The question of whether America should continue or cease nation building efforts is suspicious. Respondents must realize their answers are a pseudo-prescient anecdote that doesn’t consider the volatility and unpredictability of our (that is, the world’s) human nature. No one should be against humanitarian intervention; the dignity of man is worth preserving across the globe and history. 

A separate question we hesitate to answer is whether nation building can succeed without the world's most powerful military placing bets it can successfully prop up an authentic democratic regime. Another: can a nation’s sovereignty and self-determination be persuaded through other means to believe in democracy for themselves? Suppose the United States ever finds itself nation-building without the use or threat of its military prowess. In that case, we will find ourselves in a new era of foreign policy that can bring honor to democracy and American Exceptionalism yet again. Today, I believe everyone wants our troops home so we can all have this conversation together.