Nadine,
Go back to class and reread the Federalist Papers, specifically Fed 10, 47-51, and, most explicitly, Fed 63, where Madison directly addresses the question of why "attention to the judgement of other nations" is important. The first six essays referenced above are for important background to his opinions and theories.
RE: "I always thought that the US government derived its legitimacy from the American people, who voted for it. Suddenly, a great many people, generally on the Left, seem to feel that's not enough, the US government must be accountable to the UN and "multilateralism", whatever that means. I could see this argued as a matter of practical necessity... Politics makes odd bedfellows indeed. Nothing is more odd than this liberal embrace of the UN. Is there any real philosphy here, or just a visceral reaction." |
