Why Internationalism Won't Make America Great Again

Ah, internationalism. The word alone brings to mind endless U.N. meetings, bureaucrats in suits sipping fancy coffee, and every progressive’s dream—a world where ideals and borders are as clear as mud. But let’s be honest; internationalism is about as useful to America as a chocolate teapot. Today, we’re taking a closer look at some solid conservative critiques of this pie-in-the-sky idea.

Buckley’s Wisdom: A Conservative Beacon

William F. Buckley Jr., a giant in conservative thinking and the architect of the modern conservative movement, didn’t beat around the bush when it came to internationalism. Buckley argued that it chips away at national sovereignty and leaves America at the mercy of unelected foreign paper-pushers. Why should hard-working Americans follow the orders of diplomats who couldn’t tell a tractor from a Tesla? It’s like letting your neighbor’s cat decide what’s for dinner.

Sovereignty Matters: The Conservative Cornerstone

Conservatives, and for good reason, value national sovereignty. It’s a core conservative principle, woven into the fabric of our Constitution. National defense, foreign policy, and law and order—all these underscore why we need to keep our independence from international flights of fancy. Progressives, bless their hearts, seem to miss the point. They’re off in la-la land dreaming of global citizenship while conservative folks are smartly securing our borders and looking out for American interests. Because here’s the kicker: America First isn’t just catchy, it’s common sense.

The United Nations: A Comedy of Inefficiency

🏛️ Bureaucratic behemoth
🌍 Power distributed like socialism pamphlets at a Bernie rally
🤦‍♂️ Makes the DMV look efficient
🇺🇸 Why should Brussels dictate policy in Boise?

Economic Sanity: The Conservative Approach

Economic policies show why internationalism is a fast track to mediocrity. Conservative values focus on cutting taxes and boosting private investment, creating a strong, self-sustaining cycle of economic growth. This approach sparks innovation, creates jobs, and increases wages, improving everyone’s quality of life. The progressive push for international economic policies often means sacrificing America’s success to prop up global equality. Why should the U.S. compromise its prosperity to support economies that can’t—or won’t—stand on their own? If my neighbor’s house is falling apart, I might lend a hand, but I won’t tear down my perfectly good home just to make them feel better.

Energy Independence: A Conservative Priority

Energy independence is another area where conservative thinking outshines internationalist nonsense. Conservatives believe in tapping into domestic energy resources to ensure economic security and independence. On the flip side, international agreements often push America into adopting policies that hurt our energy sector, caving to external pressures instead of putting American needs first. As Buckley and many others have pointed out, America’s energy policies should benefit Americans first, not appease climate czars roaming the halls of international summits.

Preserving Liberties: The Conservative Commitment

What’s more, internationalism often champions global governance structures that threaten individual freedoms. Conservatives cherish personal liberties—free speech, religious freedom, the right to bear arms. These aren’t just nice ideas; they’re the foundation of American democracy. International agreements and regulations often impose restrictions that chip away at these freedoms, turning individual rights into a bureaucratic tug-of-war. It’s like having to ask your homeowners’ association for permission to change the lightbulbs in your own bathroom.

Conclusion: Steering Our Own Ship

Progressives might argue that internationalism promotes cooperation and unity. But let’s get real—cooperation at the cost of sovereignty is just fancy subjugation. Buckley wasn’t buying what they were selling, and neither should we. His criticism of internationalism wasn’t a call to shut out the world but a reminder to engage wisely—a heads-up that while global allies are nice to have, America must always be in charge of its own destiny. So, let’s chart our course with American values as our compass, not with our rudder tied to a U.N. bureaucrat’s desk.