Liberal democracy is about the sovereign right of the people to choose their governments, within a framework protecting minority rights and civil liberties. It has nothing to do with caring about all governments and all peoples, first, because not all governments are democratic, and therefore legitimate in our eyes; second, because governments represent the interests of their electorates, not ours; third, because the cultures of other countries, and their interests, diverge too much from ours to form a reasonable consensus.
Free enterprise means, insofar as possible, a "win- win" situation as a result of fair negotiation and voluntary exchange. However, we do not negotiate with governments or peoples, but with consumers for whom we make an attractive product at a reasonable price. Part of the beauty of the market is that it doesn't matter what your politics or religion is, just whether you bring a good product to market, or, as the consumer, have the means of purchase.
Now, it is true that diplomacy and the alliance system through which we operate require attention to the opinions of others, especially allies. However, public opinion is notoriously shallow and volatile in our own country, and one must balance between addressing legitimate concerns and leading. Even more so is that the case in foreign countries. Their public opinion is a part of the political equation, but cannot be determinative.
As for more formal channels of diplomacy, including alliance politics, it is of course a concern to establish credibility. However, there are always sources of tension, and consensus need only be minimal for functioning adequately within the world system. Also, confidence is not solely a matter of the top spot, but of the whole team. On that score, this administration has a lot of credibility....... |
