July Reflections

Creating More Healthy Global Community Relationships

President Obama has recently given a series of very mindful and considerate speeches setting out a new and very different vision for relations with other countries and people.

Recently in Prague he put forth his ideas for a world free of nuclear weapons. His speech in Cairo a few weeks ago reached out not just to the leaders but to all Muslims in an attempt to establish a new intention by America to form better, stronger relationships with them and to work to address our differences and problems in constructive ways. Today, he spoke in Russia hoping to “reset” our strained relations with our longtime rival by setting aside old views and embracing new possibilities. Here is a small excerpt from that speech.

“There is the 20th Century view that the US and Russia are destined to be antagonists. And that a strong Russia or a strong America can only assert themselves in opposition to one another. And there is a 19th Century view that we are destined to vie for spheres of influence and that great powers must forge competing blocks to balance one another.

These assumptions are wrong. In 2009, a great power does not show strength by dominating or demonizing other countries.

It is difficult to forge a lasting partnership between former adversaries. It is hard to change habits that have been engrained in our governments and bureaucracies for decades. But I believe that on the fundamental issues that will shape this century, Americans and Russians share common interests that form a basis for cooperation. It is not for me to define Russia’s national interests, but I can tell you about America’s national interest, and I believe you will see that we share common ground.”

Many pundits and experts are straining to explain Obama’s words as right or wrong in terms of established foreign relations or political science knowledge. In terms of human relationship wisdom his choices appear to indicate an intentional choice on his part to transcend these older, accepted ways of relating to our “enemies” or conflict partners, thereby breaking out of chronic cycles of competition, violence or dysfunction and moving toward reconciliation and collaboration.

This approach is very different from the vengeful, aggressive, and violent response the US Administrations have pursued since 9/11. Reaching out in positive ways, establishing our intent to be friendly and constructive, pursuing mutually beneficial goals through mutually respectful and considerate processes are all actions that help promote taking that fork in the road away from fear and destruction toward hope and reconciliation and ultimately shared community.

If we are uncertain or confused by these developments, an important question to ask at this transitional moment is how well are our old methods of relating globally working? Do we have real safety, security and collaboration, and not just with our historic friends and allies but with those we fear and distrust? Can we change these old patterns? Is the cost of our current approach sustainable, especially in these challenging times? How much justice, equality, trust and friendship could we stimulate if even some of the resources we now have tied up in “necessary defensive and offensive capabilities” could be redirected to creating new allies? How much could we save if we could worry less about defending ourselves from an attack?

I do not believe President Obama is a demon or a savior; I hope and believe he is an intelligent, hardworking, practical leader with an understanding and willingness to pursue a new approach to old problems that persist despite our good intentions and best, sometimes heroic efforts.

Yes, this approach involves risk, perhaps great risk, but no greater and certain than the risk of pursuing unhealthy, codependent and dysfunctional relationships with our global neighbors and other members of the Greater Human Family.

Being open, vulnerable and willing to focus on protecting our national interests through unforced or uncoerced cooperation and collaboration even with old enemies promotes real community and fosters authentic safety in all dimensions of relationship.

Hate and Fear out.
Love and Peace in.

Gratefully Seeking Harmony,
Stephan