A Look at the Foreign Policies of the 2016 Presidential Election: Libertarian Ticket

By Ryan Guerra, UNANCA Staff

Two weeks ago I took a look at the Republican Presidential ticket, last week I took a look at the Democratic Presidential ticket, and this week I’m looking at a surprise contender in the political game.

Relatively unknown until recently, the Libertarian Party has made incredible strides this election cycle. The party is polling nationally around 10-13% according to multiple polling groups, which gives them the potential to hit the debate stage this fall. A more unfamiliar party on the national stage, it hasn’t been vetted like the Democratic and Republican Parties. This year the Libertarians have chosen Gary Johnson and Bill Weld as their Presidential and Vice-Presidential nominees, former governors of New Mexico and Massachusetts respectively, who give the Libertarian ticket much needed executive experience.

The official platform of the Libertarian Party “would end the current U.S. government policy of foreign intervention, including military and economic aid”. This includes ending involvement with the United Nations. Libertarians also have the view that the US shouldn’t be in any entangling alliances. They believe that we should have a strong military for defensive purposes but little engagement with the International Community beyond that. The platform also states.

“Political freedom and escape from tyranny demand that individuals not be unreasonably constrained by government in the crossing of political borders…however, we support control over the entry into our country of foreign nationals who pose a credible threat to security, health, or property.”

The Libertarian Party, while unwilling to enter into entangling alliances, is a proponent of offering refuge to more people fleeing political persecution of war—but with the caveat of making sure refugees are vetted before being allowed across our borders. Presidential hopeful Gary Johnson breaks from his party’s traditional platform in an important way, taking a stance more similar to that of the Republican Party’s platform on the United Nations. Johnson supports the United States remaining in the UN, but maintaining a smaller role. He believes that it is important for the US to be involved with the UN in such a globalized world, but thinks that we can avoid being involved in unwanted foreign entanglements by taking a step back from being the “International Police Officer” of the world. He agrees with his own party’s platform when it comes to refugees.

Taking a step back from our role in the United Nations is not beneficial to the International Community or to the United States. By cooperating with the United Nations, the US is able to help create peace and ensure that human rights are held to a high standard globally. Through advocacy and education, the UNA-NCA aims to garner support and understanding for the United Nations in the US and to not only promote the ideals it stands for, but to advocate for those who have no other voice and have become displaced in this world. . The international community can make a powerful difference, and we should be a part of that strategy, action, and impact.

Who becomes our next President will determine much of the future for US – UN relations and the global field; so this election cycle, make sure that you vote. Every vote matters and you can make a difference right there by campaigning for your chosen candidate and promoting issues that you view as important to be included in the election dialogue. Don’t stand by; step in.