Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, gave an interview to Fox News on Thursday about his perspectives on American foreign policy.
During the interview, he argued the United States requires a robust nationalism that puts American interests ahead of the concerns of globalists. Throughout the discussion, Hawley leveled criticism at neoconservatives, stating their outlook on international relations is fundamentally flawed.
America First!
According to Hawley, neoconservatism is a defunct political philosophy. It’s part of the globalist worldview to believe that the United States needs to act as the policeman of the globe.
It is a flawed philosophy that resulted in the United States engaging in never-ending conflicts, which set us back billions of dollars and took the lives of thousands of Americans.
Josh Hawley wrote a good article about Neoliberals and Neoconservatives, both of which are detestable. Biden is globalist infection and a Neoliberal made possible by devious Neocons https://t.co/U5YSCxnlBx
— suzyrice (@suzy_rice) May 25, 2022
The statements that Hawley made come at a time when the Republican Party is discussing the path that American foreign policy should take.
Some Republicans, like Hawley, are lobbying for a more nationalist strategy, while others are calling for the furtherance of the conventional neoconservative foreign policy that has characterized the party for decades.
According to Hawley’s argument, the United States would benefit from adopting a nationalist stance concerning its foreign policy. He demanded a stop to what he referred to as the “forever wars” and an emphasis on rebuilding the economy and infrastructure of the United States.
According to Hawley, we are in need of vigorous nationalism. We require a foreign policy that prioritizes the interests of the United States of America, including those of American workers, American households, American neighborhoods, and American security.
The statements made by Hawley are reminiscent of those made by Donald Trump.
Trump’s Approach
In his approach to foreign policy, President Trump prioritized the economic and military interests of the United States, while ignoring the concerns of globalists.
Although the strategy that Trump took was divisive, it struck a chord with a large number of Americans who had the impression that the political system overlooked their best interests. The fact that Hawley expressed these sentiments suggests they are still prevalent inside the Republican Party.
Yet, Hawley’s statements have their detractors. Others contend that a more nationalist foreign policy might result in isolationism and a lack of interaction with the international community.
Hawley downplayed these worries, noting a more nationalist stance does not mean the United States will withdraw from the international community. Instead, he stated it signifies the United States would prioritize its own interests and participate with the international community on its own terms.
Ron DeSantis joins Josh Hawley in pushing for a more isolationist US foreign policy. A reminder of how the Republican Party has done a 180 on US engagement abroad. This is not your parent's GOP. https://t.co/YanHnryawD
— Katty Kay (@KattyKay_) February 20, 2023
While the debate over the course of American foreign policy continues, it is unclear which route the Republican Party will finally choose. Already, it is evident from Hawley’s remarks that he feels a more nationalistic approach is the best path ahead for the United States.
