Where there is a Will, there is a Way: Understanding the American Attitude Toward War

Abstract

Abstract : Throughout the history of the United States, US national will has been misunderstood and judged to be weak. The American domestic political tradition of criticism and dissension is often misinterpreted by foreign observers looking to take a measure of American foreign policies. Many of these observers mistakenly take American public opinion to be a reflection of the American public's willingness to support foreign involvement. Foreign and domestic leaders need to understand and search out basic American public beliefs in order to find a true measure of the national spirit and willingness to sacrifice. Some foreign policy objectives are not worth the sacrifices asked of US citizens. This does not reflect a lack of national resolve or a willingness to sacrifice. Sometimes these actions do not meet national interests. Effective national leaders make their policy decisions carefully, understanding valid national interests in keeping with the character and beliefs of the American people. Public opinion is volatile and easily swayed. Public opinions are not public beliefs. It is important to recognize and understand the difference in order to gain a true measure of American national will. When given articulate and visionary leadership, in the pursuit of objectives important to American interests and in keeping with American beliefs, US citizens consistently demonstrate a remarkable display of unity, steadfastness and, when required, violence