America has had a major role in determining the fate of many countries, especially those that share its moral, cultural and free market values. Since World War Two, the world has had to respect the United States regardless of its love or hate of its polices. The reason, first and foremost is because of its sea power. While the Army and Air Force can strike fear into countries engaged in nefarious activities, it is because of the United States Navy that dictators may pause before committing atrocities, against its own people, or the U.S. and its allies. The Navy, unlike the Army and Air Force, does not need agreements with a host country to house its personnel or use its airfields.
The American Navy can strike any country in the world because of its global presence. Like never before in history, the world is now dealing with the repercussions of international trade deals.
Whether we like it or not, every free market country is now dependent on these trade deals to sustain economic viability. And someone has to be the police force for this “new world order”. The Untied States does not have to be the policemen of the world, but if not, who will be, and will they have the best interests of the world at the forefront? Can this new international economy work in the face of a growing terrorism presence worldwide? Can the United States maintain economic growth without a strong international military presence?
If the United States does not modernize and maintain a strong navy, these questions will be answered, and Americans may not like the
answers.