Does the U.S. have a moral obligation to help defend Ukraine? (1 Viewer)

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Honestly, not sure why this is interesting unless you mean in a "wonder why they care about this morality thing all of a sudden" kind of way, and even then it's rather obvious, no?

If our international action were governed by morality, there would be more intervention in Africa and South America than there has been historically.  Historical intervention has always been based on self-interest rather than morality, up to and including WWI and WWII.  You think we got involved in Vietnam or Afghanistan as moral imperatives?  Rubbish.

 

[sho nuff]

Why?  We’ve screwed up dozens of other nations with our manipulation under the guise of fighting communism or “nation building.”

Immigration is a great thing.  Truly great.

Nation building?  Not so much.

Right...barring something horrific of course  (genocide as an example).

 

[The Commish]

If our international action were governed by morality, there would be more intervention in Africa and South America than there has been historically.  Historical intervention has always been based on self-interest rather than morality, up to and including WWI and WWII.  You think we got involved in Vietnam or Afghanistan as moral imperatives?  Rubbish.

Not sure if this is rhetorical or not, but on the off chance it's not, I can't think of a single time in my life where we engaged because of morality.  I find the entire question completely off the mark UNLESS it's as I framed it in the "we care about morality all of a sudden?" perspective, then it would be up to the OP to explain why he thinks it's a good question and why we should start looking at it from that POV now.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

That depends on the nation and the effort put into the building. 
 

On my list of greatest political figures I just named Douglas MacArthur. He is responsible for the creation of modern Japan and South Korea. Those two states, who are our allies and have served us well in trade and friendship, would not exist if America hadn’t created them. 

I truly believe you’ve read more history than me tim, so please take that as context for my next comment.  How do you see South Korea or Japan as an analogy for Ukraine?  What elements make that comparison appropriate?

 

[timschochet]

I truly believe you’ve read more history than me tim, so please take that as context for my next comment.  How do you see South Korea or Japan as an analogy for Ukraine?  What elements make that comparison appropriate?

I don’t. But your post seemed to imply that nation building is NEVER a good idea. I don’t agree; I think it depends on the nation. 
Truth be told, I think it’s a terrible idea to have ANY “doctrine” or “philosophy” regarding foreign policy. I am, generally speaking, an internationalist. Generally speaking I reject isolationalism. But there are exceptions in both cases. We live in a very complicated world. 

 

[Alex P Keaton]

I don’t. But your post seemed to imply that nation building is NEVER a good idea. I don’t agree; I think it depends on the nation. 
Truth be told, I think it’s a terrible idea to have ANY “doctrine” or “philosophy” regarding foreign policy. I am, generally speaking, an internationalist. Generally speaking I reject isolationalism. But there are exceptions in both cases. We live in a very complicated world. 

Ok.  Thanks for clarifying.  It’s a bit odd to say “I don’t agree” and then provide examples which you don’t think are applicable to the topic, but appreciate the response either way.