Multilateralism: For a New Political Enlightenment
It is contended that the US government should candidly embrace multilateralism in order to enhance its political standing within the international community. Rather than confront international terrorists without suffering severe costs, it is argued that the war on terrorism has jeopardized Americans' constitutional liberties & exacerbated economic & social problems; consequently, it is maintained that US militaristic imperialism must be supplanted by a true multilateral perspective. The concept of true multilateralism is subsequently explained, emphasizing the need to acquire United Nations Security Council approval prior to launching humanitarian interventions & stressing the reconfiguration of the notion of self-defense. In addition, it is stressed that the sovereignty of all nations must be equally recognized within the international community instead of defending the primacy of US sovereignty. It is recommended that the US must jettison its isolationist history & supranationalist present, welcome multilateral initiatives like the Kyoto Protocol, & participate in global struggles against disease; moreover, it is concluded that multilateralism & American patriotism are compatible. J. W. Parker