Isolationism

Isolationism is a diplomatic policy whereby a nation seeks to avoid alliances with other nations. Most nations are not in a political position to maintain strict isolationist policies for extended periods of time, even though most nations have historical periods where isolationism is popular. American Political Isolationism

Colonial America had little understanding of isloationism: most colonists knew no other life except that of nationalist Europe and willingly accepted both the protection and complications of a British colony. Thomas Paine is generally credited with having first instilled isolationist ideas into the American body politic. Several of the arguments put forth in Common Sense point out the political benefits of avoiding alliances. These ideas introduced by Paine took such a firm foothold that the Continetal Congress struggled against forming an alliance with France and only agreed to do so when it was apparent that the war for independence could be won in no other manner.

President George Washington used the occasion of his 1796 Farewell Address to set an isolationist tone that would not soon fade:

"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."

President Jefferson affirmed the ardent isolationism of the young country in his inaugural address: "peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none."

The isolationist torch was still burning strong in 1823 when President James Monroe articulated what would come to be known as the Monroe Doctrine: "In the wars of the European powers, in matters relating to themselves, we have never taken part, nor 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 preparations for our defense."

Indeed, the United States mananged to maintain a state of political isolation throughout the 19th century and the first part of the 20th century. Few nations have been able to maintain such a stance for such a lengthy period of time. Historians have posited that this is largely due to a geography that is both detached and distant in relation to that of Europe.

The beginning of the twentieth century saw German and Japanese imperialism put an end to feelings of content isolationism enjoyed by the United States. The acquisition of the Philippine Islands during the Spanish-American War put American interests squarely in the sights of Japan. Smugly unaware, America failed to perceive threats made against its unencumbered position. It took Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare to shake the neutral stance that America had cherished for so long. When the war ended, America was quick to leave behind its "entangling alliances;" both the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations found little congressional support.

The actions of Adolph Hitler and Benito Mussolini effectively dashed any hopes of further pursuing the isolationism that America was about to outgrow. The sanguine effects of geopolitical alliance did not evaporate with Allied victory: in contrast, the developing cold war would make them more desirable than ever. Today, the United States is far removed from its history of isolation. Through the United Nations, defensive agreements are in place with forty-four sovereign states.

See also Nye, Gerald P.