The United States is founded on principles of liberty and self-government. However, not every country in the rest of the world is the same. Since the Founding of our country, our citizens and leaders have grappled with the challenge of how much the United States should assist people in other countries who wish to move their country towards the same model of freedom. The challenges posed in the modern day as autocratic governments like China and Russia attempt to exert influence in the world, sometimes through military force, means that this question will continue to remain pertinent. 

Those who argue that the United States has an obligation to uphold freedom around the globe contend that doing so is a moral imperative. They claim that just as others helped the United States during the Revolutionary War to win our freedom, we should do the same for those who are trying to resist tyranny.  This side believes that our great military strength should be used to uphold our principles of liberty and self-government. They may also argue that it is beneficial to the United States to work to support freedom around the globe, as countries with similar values are less likely to go to war. 

Those who argue that the United States does not have an obligation to uphold freedom around the globe contend that doing so will cause more harm to us than it will do good. They contend that helping other countries to resist autocratic governments costs American taxpayers and has led to us sending American soldiers to die when, arguably, our direct interests were not at stake. Additionally, they may also claim that American involvement in other countries’ affairs can also cause more harm to those nations, as we do not fully understand their situations.  

So, what do you think? Does the United States Have an Obligation to Uphold Freedom Around the Globe? Students can answer Yes, it does; No, it does not; or a nuanced answer in between! Be sure to submit your answers by September 26 to have a chance at winning this week’s contest. 

 

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Note: Ideal Think the Vote responses include the following:      

• Address the question asked in a thoughtful and meaningful manner     
• Use cited facts and constitutional arguments when appropriate to support their answers      
• Are expressed in cohesive sentences and are free of distracting spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors      
• They address counterarguments and opposing concerns in a respectful manner      
• They organize their answer in a manner that flows logically and reads clearly   

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JOIN THE DEBATE BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $1,000 CASH SCHOLARSHIP! 

For this question, BRI will be giving away two $25 gift cards, one to each person providing the best defense of each side of the debate. Both students will also win BRI swag. Each student winner will also be entered for a chance to win a grand prize of a $1,000 cash scholarship. Additionally, the referring teachers for both students will each win a $25 gift card and BRI swag. 

This question will run from 9/12/24 to 9/26/24, so be sure to submit your answers in time to be considered for our prizes!