Isolationism is a foreign policy that dates back to the 14th century and is very protective. When the original thirteen colonies in America became the United States of America, isolationism was deliberately chosen to secure the best interests of the newly formed country. Many other countries have finger-pointed, accused, and been nasty toward the United States because of its policy of isolationism. What these countries neglect to point out is that other countries have adopted this foreign policy as a preference as a way to preserve their traditions and cultures. Isolationism was not solely something the United States employed or adopted as a foreign policy.
According to Merriam-Webster’s On-line Dictionary, isolationism is “a policy of national isolation by abstention from alliances and other international economic relations.” George Washington in his Farewell Address (1796) pointed out that isolationism was a “great rule of conduct” for a nation by stating, “The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us have none, or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves, by artificial ties, in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities.” The third President Thomas Jefferson agreed with President George Washington. Thomas Jefferson felt isolationism was a protective measure for the United States of America when dealing with foreign countries. He was not alone in this belief, for most of the Founding Fathers of the United States agreed with the first President George Washington.
In the 14th Century, the Ming Dynasty in China adopted the policy of isolationism. They wanted to protect their way of life, culture and traditions from destructive foreign influences. This was China’s foreign policy for many centuries; until the end of the 20th century.
Like China, Japan in the past (1641 through 1853) has practiced isolationism. Japan embraced this policy in order to preserve the Japanese traditions and culture plus protect Japanese economic interests. During its period of isolationism, Japan restricted its diplomatic relations to China, Korea, Ryukyus, and the Netherlands.
In 1814, Paraguay, right after their independence was achieved, decided isolationism was the best foreign policy for this country. Paraguay maintained this foreign policy until the death of its dictator Dr. Francia in 1840.
Ireland calls isolationism “Irish neutrality” and has been practicing isolationism as a foreign policy since 1922. This country feels “Irish neutrality” protects Ireland and its rich Gaelic culture, primarily from influences exerted by the United Kingdom.
Since the ceasefire of 1953 (the Korean War), North Korea has primarily implemented isolationism as its preferred foreign policy. Technically North Korea is still at war with South Korea and the United States, which is why this authoritarian government maintains its distance with other nations. North Korea’s primary goal is to protect itself economically and politically especially when involved in diplomatic relations toward other nations.
There are many pro’s and con’s regarding isolationism. Implementing isolationism as a foreign policy toward others can protect a country from another country’s negative influence, one that may not be in its best economic or political interest. Isolationism can keep a country out of the world’s international affairs; allow its military to be more available for its defense. Isolationism has the potential for becoming problematic or can become a cause for ill will between two or more nations. The United States re-instituting its isolationism between the World Wars (World War I and World War II) caused conflict between other countries who wanted the United States to do more than it did. The recent lack of isolationism in the United States, however, has caused problems economically; created difficulty for the American owned businesses due to competing more against foreign owned businesses. Lack of isolationism has altered the United States of America’s foreign policy; currently more active globally in trying to implement peace throughout the world, working closer with the United Nations, and being a strong military presence in the Middle East. James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States, in favor of isolationism, stated “In the wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, not does it comport with our policy so to do. It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent injuries or make preparation for our defense. ”
Merriam-Webster On-line Dictionary website: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isolationism
James Monroe and Thomas Jefferson: http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/
James Monroe quote, Brainy Quote.com website: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/james_monroe.html
Wikipedia website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isolationism
Wikipedia website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_non-interventionism
Wikipedia website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington%27s_Farewell_Address George Washington’s entire Farewell Address, Papers of George Washington website: http://gwpapers.virginia.edu/documents/farewell/transcript.html
