Foreign Threats

The September 11, 2001, terrorist attack was a national tragedy that cost the lives of 3,062 people. But it was also an opportunity for our nation to thoughtfully reexamine its foreign policy in order to reduce the likelihood of future attacks.

Of course, there is no guarantee that evil will not strike again. However, a foreign policy that limits our intervention in the quarrels of other nations will reduce the chance that terrorists will ever again target America.

Friendship, non-intervention, and free trade with all nations is a time-honored prescription for an America that is at peace with the world. Unfortunately, that is not a policy most Democratic and Republican politicians have supported.

The United States currently has troops deployed in 144 nations and territories around the world. In most cases, our deployment has nothing to do with national security. American troops were sent to dig wells in Haiti, supervise a cease-fire in Morocco, and renovate schools in Belize.

Over the last decade, the United States has sent troops into numerous war zones. In 1993, we dispatched 16,000 troops on a "temporary" mission to end ethnic warfare in Bosnia. In 1994, we sent 20,000 to "ensure democracy" in Haiti. In 1999, we launched a bombing campaign in Kosovo to "end genocide."

Libertarians know there is a better way. We understand that America must be a fully engaged participant in the world economy--but should not interfere in the affairs of other nations. Such a foreign policy would enable us to maintain a strong, vigilant defense while significantly reducing our military spending. To achieve these goals, we propose to withdraw American troops from foreign nations, and remove the barriers to free trade.