What have we deserved?

Question

one of George Washington's Favorites quotes form a play called "Cato" was "Tis not in mortals to command success; But we'll do more, we'll deserve it." (Washington quoted it countless times in letters)

Looking at our foreign policy (USA) We have tried to command success, but what have we deserved? (not just in terms of military defeat or victory)

thoughtful answers only please. The most comprehensive, logical analysis will get best answer.

I meant specifics- not national interest vs. world interest. What specifically does the United States deserve?

Rather a vague question I know, but think about it.

Answer 1

Considering the usual shortsightedness of American foreign policy (from Dems and Reps alike), we really don't deserve much. All those years of isolationism have left us with a lot of lessons to learn in foreign matters, such as not starting pointless wars.

Answer 2

I have always been surprised at Americans' views on the purpose of foreign policies. A nation forms a foreign policy to position itself according to it's own best interests, whether military, economic or political. Ideally the position is in alignment with those of it's allies, trade partners, etc., even if it doesn't match 100%, lest the relationship be strained.

Before Woodrow Wilson's "League of Nations" and it's sibling the United Nations I believe most Americans did not care about a foreign policy, mostly because we were fairly self-sufficient as a nation, dominated the Western Hemisphere, and saw no point in involving ourselves in other nations' problems. However, post WWII, Americans' support of developing a foreign policy rocketed skyward since we were finally forced into realizing the actions of a few mentally unstable individuals elsewhere on the globe could affect our lives directly.

It seems today many Americans believe our foreign policy should reflect what is in the best interests of the world as a whole. I consider this unfortnate to a certain extent since, often, global needs do not necessarily coincide with our national needs. Also, since our focus on global politics is less than a century old, we are a babe in the woods and are still on the upslope of the learning curve.

It is difficult to reason "what have we deserved" since our practice of foreign policy has been one of inexperience. This is compounded by the fact that since our foreign policy is determined by the office of the President it changes every four or eight years and we are not afforded the opportunity to settle on one for any length of time.

I feel what we have deserved is the results of all of our actions to date...the good and the bad. Whether it is defending ourselves from a direct attack, or intervening hastily where thought and prudence should rule. Until we learn to balance national interest vs. global and debate the potential consequences of our actions that is all we'll ever deserve.