US Global Retrenchment and the Army of 2000

摘要

An observer of today's international scene, reflecting on the current status of 'liberty' in much of the world around him, finds it difficult to realize that only 18 years have elapsed since a newly elected President of the United States made the above statement with acceptance, and even enthusiastic approval, of a large proportion of his audience. Within that relatively short period of time much has happened to alter the perspectives of the US citizenry and their government. The tragedy of Vietnam dealt a shattering blow to those with supreme confidence in the invincibility of the United States and the superiority of the democratic system, and even presumably shook those among us who were ultimately responsible for our untimely withdrawal. The willingness and increasing capacity of the Soviet Union to project power globally, flagrantly, and with impunity, interfering in the internal affairs of emerging nations, has further aggravated the situation. Coming in short order, the oil embargo and energy crisis added another shock and demonstrated all too clearly our vulnerability to resource-related coercion by otherwise internationally insignificant nations. Domestic racial and economic problems have contributed to social fragmentation and led to erosion of confidence in previously unassailable institutions. Our continuing dependence on foreign energy resources and our seeming inability to agree on any national policy or program to reduce this dependence further weaken our international position and contribute to frustration and disillusionment at home.