By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Securing America.

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, it’s time to reexamine the concepts of nationalism and imperialism. Are they dirty words, or are they essential to understanding America’s role in the world? The answer lies in the distinction between these two terms, which have been often misunderstood and misused. Nationalism, according to Rod Martin, is not a dirty word, but rather a necessary component of a healthy, sovereign nation. In contrast, imperialism is a system of governance where one nation seeks to dominate and control others.

Understanding Nationalism and Imperialism

Rod Martin, chairman of the Institute for the American Future, joins Frank Gaffney on Securing America to discuss the nuances of these terms and how they relate to American values. Martin argues that the concept of nationalism has been distorted by leftist ideology, which seeks to equate it with national socialism or Nazism. However, this is a false equivalence, as nationalism is simply the idea that a nation should be governed by its own people, rather than by a distant, unelected elite.

As Martin notes, ‘Nationalism is we’re not going to bother you if you want to run your country in a way we think is stupid. We aren’t going to get into the intricacies of how you want to run yourself, although we would like for you to do better maybe than what you’re doing.’ This approach is in stark contrast to imperialism, which seeks to impose one nation’s will on others. The British Empire, for example, was a classic example of imperialism, where a single nation sought to dominate and control others.

The American Experiment

The United States, on the other hand, has always been premised on the idea of nationalism, where the power resides with the people, rather than a distant elite. As Martin notes, ‘America has always been premised on the idea that all men are created equal, that they’re endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’ This idea is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and has guided American foreign policy for centuries.

The Trump Doctrine, which emphasizes the importance of sovereignty and self-governance, is a natural extension of this idea. By encouraging other nations to take responsibility for their own defense and governance, the United States is promoting a more equitable and just world order. As Martin notes, ‘We recognize their sovereignty. We sometimes disagree with them, and we work that out. Persuasion, which, by the way, is the same principle that we have in our own election system.’

A New Era of International Relations

As the world enters a new era of international relations, it’s essential to understand the differences between nationalism and imperialism. The rise of globalism and the decline of traditional nation-states have created new challenges and opportunities for the United States. By promoting sovereignty and self-governance, the United States can help create a more stable and prosperous world.

In conclusion, the concepts of nationalism and imperialism are complex and multifaceted. While nationalism is often misunderstood and maligned, it is a necessary component of a healthy, sovereign nation. Imperialism, on the other hand, is a system of governance that seeks to dominate and control others. As the United States navigates its role in the world, it’s essential to understand these concepts and how they impact American foreign policy. The full episode of Securing America is available on OBBM Network TV.