European Statism and US Foreign Policy

Question: European views have diverged substantially with Objectivist thinking since the treaty of Maastricht. Given this, what would be a reasonable approach for the United States to influence the thinking of this highly developed region?

Answer:  Objectivism calls for a political and moral revolution. In politics, it calls for absolute respect for human rights to life, liberty, and property. This means the separation of the state from the economy as well as from religion. For more on this, see my Q&A: " What is the Objectivist View of Law and Government? " or my essay " Radical for Capitalism ."

Today, even the main American political parties are pretty divergent from Objectivist thinking. But it is true that the U.S. is much closer to the Objectivist ideal than is the democratic socialism, protectionism, and paternalism of the current European Union. Anyone who understands the vital role of clear political principles can only shudder at the news of the text coming out of the European constitutional convention. And the capture of European trade policy by anti-technology environmentalists is also cause for concern.

Everyone, but especially the citizens of the U.S., has an interest in promoting liberty throughout the world. So it is certainly in the interests of Americans to encourage political reform in Europe. But to what extent?

At the very least, Americans should practice moral judgment and give their sanction to political reform, while showing their disapproval of the statists in Europe. But if you are asking whether the U.S. government should do anything, there we must consider what it would be appropriate for a government to do.First, the U.S. government should set a good example by pursuing consistent pro-liberty policies. Second, it can encourage pro-liberty policies in international treaty organizations like the U.N., the WTO, and NATO, and in the inter-governmental discussion groups in which it takes part, like the G-8 or the OECD. Third, it can seek allies among the governments of Europe to share in the promotion of consciously pro-liberty policies, forming a liberty-bloc as it were.

Americans will need to fight to change the culture so that ideals of individualism and personal achievement
win out.

But in my view the U.S. government should not directly interfere in the politics of its allies. As long as European countries remain under the rule of law and practice open politics, there is no proper role for the U.S. government in promoting internal political parties there. However, if individual Americans think their interests are sufficiently at stake, they may and should work to promote political alternatives in Europe. After all, the U.S. government is not the representative of the American people, except in strictly governmental matters such as national defense and the provision of law. In a purely cultural matter like advocating political change, the task properly lies with individuals and the voluntary groups they form, such as corporations, advocacy groups, and foundations.

I personally am concerned that Europe is locking into place an illiberal welfare state dominated by the power of political pull and pressure group warfare for subsidies and regulations. Without broad liberties reserved to the people, there is the danger of making the state the center of social life. And that can only lead to oppression and great human suffering. To prevent this from happening among our closest allies and in the broader sphere of Western culture, Americans will need to fight to change the culture so that ideals of individualism and personal achievement win out over the appeal of the group and the exaltation of self-sacrifice, both at home and abroad.

I hope you will support TAS in fighting that fight.

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