DELIBERATION ISSUE BRIEF

A major focus of CAS138T is communication through public forums. Specifically, deliberations, which are defined as careful thought or discussion done in order to make a decision. Our class was divided into teams that would prepare a topic of deliberation and 'deliberate' that topic with our fellow citizens. Deliberation has long been a part of human history, and is said to be one of the best ways to determine the best plan of action. At our deliberation we discussed America's role on the international playground a how to best interact with the rest of the world. This exercise was very enlightening as different individuals held different opinions and brought varying arguments to the table, allowing us to evaluate the topic from many angles and decide what the best path for American international affairs.

Topic: America’s Role in International Affairs and Concerns

Deliberation Agenda

Introductory Statements:

• Our role is a nationwide priority with a presidential election coming up

• Our role in international affairs has been dynamic in the past, with no true definition

• As a world superpower we have a heavy influence on international  affairs

• Is it our role to build, maintain, and repair relations with other countries?

• What role do Americans believe our country should have?

• Our extent of interference in international dealings

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Ground Rules:

1.      One person speaks at a time

2.      All participants should contribute equally to the discussion

3.      Everyone should be open-minded to each contribution

4.      Participants should collaborate with each other, not only with the moderators

6.      No digressions or long tangents- stay focused!

7.       Be respectful to others

Personal Stakes:

• What about this issue of America’s foreign involvement intrigues you?

• Why do you think the question of America’s foreign involvement is an important issue to talk about?

• Is it America’s responsibility to be involved in international affairs?

Summary Option 1:

The issue is that we as a country are not aggressive enough in foreign policy and international affairs. Although we are involved internationally with several countries, our degree of interference is not as strong as it needs to be to demonstrate our power and dominance internationally as a country. If we want to better position ourselves in the future, we must act with more firmness and involve ourselves to an even greater extent internationally. With the election ahead, our new president must show off America’s strength and power to make his or her term more effective and satisfactory.

Discussion Prompts for Option 1:

Do we reserve the right to be the protector of the free world?

Does this right include the power to act as a military aggressor? Do other nations expect us to act as a military aggressor?

If we enforce aggressive foreign policies what implications does this pose for Americans at home?

Does aggression have a line that shouldn’t be crossed? What is this line?

Summary Option 2:

America needs to be more reserved as a superpower, but still needs to send aid and help resolve conflict when needed. We do not need to be so aggressive in seeking out opportunities to better position ourselves or our allies. Sending aid and help to the countries that we deem appropriate is crucial to maintaining and building relationships internationally. In a world full of terror and polarized political atmospheres, we must be less involved in matters that may jeopardize the health of our country while still protecting ourselves and our allies when necessary.

Discussion Prompts for Option 2:

Should the United States extricate self interest when it comes to giving aid and other forms of help?

To what extent should third party organizations, such as the Interpol, the United Nations, and all of the committees under the UN, have a say in international politics?

Do you see this option being obsolete or ineffective as cyber threats and imperialistic nations continue to pose as an issue to international community?

Summary Option 3:

America is too involved in international matters and for the country’s safety, must remove herself from as many as possible. The goal is self-preservation, we need more focus on the homefront to take care of our own “in-house problems.” With the presidential election on its way, there is great potential for change within our country, but that potential will lessen if we are focused moreso on what is going on in other countries. Perhaps it is best to stay out of international matters until the political and economic instability as well as terrorism dies out.

Discussion Prompts for Option 3:

How would the sense of safety within the United States be impacted by this approach to foreign affairs?

To what degree does the United States have an obligation to provide aid?

At what point does the United States no longer have an obligation, or after what point has it expended too much towards other countries?

Is it better to have a binary mode of operation regarding other nations so that U.S. policies would not be open to interpretation?

Conclusion:

• Did you find this deliberation helpful in observing a variety of viewpoints and possibly refining or redefining your own opinions on the topic?

• Do you think that this issue should be among the other “hot button” topics such as abortion, or gun control?

• How important will the topic of international relations be in the next few years/decade?

Thank You Statements

    Especially with the Presidential Election on its way, our country’s role in international affairs is more important than in recent years. With that said, it is crucial  to form an opinion on the matter in order to help guide and educate your vote for the new President. On behalf of our entire team, we want to thank you for all of your insights and contributions to today’s deliberation. It is great that we have the opportunity and privilege to not only discuss matters like this one amongst our peers, but with members of the community alike.

    Once again, thank you all for your participation, I greatly appreciated how respectful everyone was today. This is the conclusion of our deliberation, enjoy your evening, thank you again for coming.