In a statement that reverberated through the State Department and beyond, former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson articulated a foreign policy approach that seemed to divorce American interests from American values. Addressing State Department employees, Tillerson suggested that prioritizing values in foreign policy was an impediment to advancing national interests. This statement sent a chilling message, implying a transactional approach to global affairs, where expediency trumps principles. For many, this raised critical questions about the very essence of American diplomacy and its role in the world.
Critics of Tillerson’s perspective argue that such a stark dichotomy between values and interests is not only a misreading of history but also a dangerous path forward. They contend that American values – the very ideals of liberty, justice, and human dignity – are not obstacles to national interests but rather the bedrock upon which long-term security and prosperity are built. To abandon these values, they warn, is to undermine America’s moral authority and long-term strategic goals.
Many prominent voices, including the late Senator John Mccain, have long championed a foreign policy deeply rooted in American values. McCain, a respected figure across the political spectrum, consistently argued that the United States’ strength and influence derived not just from its military and economic might, but also from its commitment to these fundamental principles. His perspective, shared by many, is that true realism in foreign policy necessitates an understanding of the global yearning for these values.
To dismiss the importance of values in foreign policy is to ignore a fundamental reality: the global demand for human rights, dignity, and justice is not merely an idealistic aspiration but a potent force shaping the world. Ignoring this reality, as critics of Tillerson’s approach suggest, risks alienating populations and fostering resentment, ultimately undermining long-term American interests and global stability. A truly effective and sustainable foreign policy must integrate both realism and idealism, recognizing that American values and interests are not mutually exclusive but intrinsically linked.
