RECLAIMING OUr AMERICAN IDENTITY: CHALLENGING ELITE CONTROL OF U.S. FOREIGN POLICY
DEAR ESSENTIAL AMERICAN CITIZEN,
Together, we elected President Trump to represent the American Populist Nationalists. But our fight continues. It must never end. We must reclaim our Republic from the foreign and domestic policy grip of an unelected oligarchy. Our voice must shape this nation’s foreign and defense policies.
Now that the election is over, we must fight tooth and nail. Our goal is to make sure that strategies show our will. We can’t allow the failed ideologies of elites, who claim to speak for us. Their rhetoric is a lie, and we must reject it. We can start by challenging the paradigm and narrative. The elite falsely claim that we are an “Indo-Pacific nation.” This is untrue. This is a camouflage for our elite to keep primacy. It allows them to justify their hegemonic aspirations. They use strategies of dominance in the Indo-Pacific and containment of China. In this geopolitical game, we, the American Populist Nationalists, have no actual stake.
The policy elite continues to pursue their hegemonic designs. This persistence occurs even though the strategic environment is now geopolitical. It is marked by the return of multipolarity. Nations compete and conflict for security, prosperity, and prestige. The elite’s plans for continued hegemony clash with the realities of an evolving world. As a result, America is misaligned with the current strategic environment. This misalignment risks promising conflict with other nations that reject American dominance.
Let’s not mince words. The notion that the United States is an “Indo-Pacific nation” misrepresents our fundamental identity. We are a North American country. This framing distorts who we are and undermines our core national interests. It acts as a smokescreen for a self-serving elite. This elite has failed America since the end of the Cold War. They have prioritized their aspirations of liberal hegemony over the real needs and concerns of the American people.
In this blog, I aim to expose the failures of these elites. I also intend to highlight their continued control over our foreign policy agendas. The disconnect between elite narratives and populist sentiments has become too pronounced to ignore. As American citizens, “The Essential American Citizen,” we must reclaim our national identity. We should push for a foreign policy that genuinely reflects our domestic priorities.
#### KEY POINTS TO CONSIDER
1. CHALLENGING THE “INDO-PACIFIC NATION” NARRATIVE: The characterization of the U.S. as an “Indo-Pacific nation” betrays America’s true identity. It is fundamentally a North American country, supported by demographic and economic data. By doing so, it aligns with the elites’ goals to denationalize American identity. This transformation makes it foreign to the American experience and furthers their agenda of global governance. This framing is not just misleading; it strikes at the very heart of American sovereignty.
2. EXPLODING ELITE FAILURES AND EXAGGERATION OF THREATS: The foreign policy elite pursue liberal hegemony. This pursuit arises from exaggerated perceptions of threats like communism. Their overemphasis on military interventionism has not served the American people.
3. RESTORING OUR LEGITIMACY AS A NORTH AMERICAN NATION: We have an opportunity. We can shed the elite delusion of being an Indo-Pacific nation. It allows us to reinforce our North American identity. This strategy demands a reevaluation of perceived geopolitical threats, particularly those about China.
4. BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN ELITES AND THE PUBLIC: There is a significant disconnect. This disconnect exists between elite policymakers and the American public. This gap concerns the Indo-Pacific narrative. It highlights the need for foreign policy to show the voices and concerns of “The Essential American Citizen.”
5. ENGAGING WITH INDONESIA AS A HINGE TO THE INDO-PACIFIC: The U.S., as a North American nation in a reemerging multipolar world, must cooperate with the Indo-Pacific region. Indonesia offers the opportunity to serve as a bridge. It fosters regional stability rather than pursuing a hegemonic approach.
### THE MISCONCEPTION OF BEING AN INDO-PACIFIC NATION
The claim that the United States is an “Indo-Pacific nation” generates a distorted narrative about our identity. According to the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP), in 2022, only 4.4 million Americans lived abroad, with many in regions far removed from the Indo-Pacific. Here’s how demographics break down:
– North America: 1,449,159
– Europe: 1,168,505
– East Asia: 485,228
– Middle East/North Africa: 303,484
These figures show that our strongest connections are in North America, primarily with Canada and Mexico. The idea that our security and prosperity depend on the distant Indo-Pacific is false. In reality, only 12% of U.S. GDP comes from trade with the Indo-Pacific region, and half of that—a mere 6%—is with our North American neighbors. This data underscores that the claim of dependence on the Indo-Pacific for prosperity lacks substance.
This information reinforces the point that the U.S.’s characterization as an “Indo-Pacific nation” is a misleading distortion of our identity and economic realities. Our ties and dependencies are firmly rooted in North America, not in the distant Indo-Pacific.
### REVEALING THE ELITE’S EXAGGERATION OF THE THREAT
The Indo-Pacific concept serves as a narrative that justifies the ambitions of power-hungry elites. Instead of recognizing the complexities of international relations, this framing aims to project U.S. dominance while prioritizing military intervention over diplomatic engagement.
For decades, these elites have driven a foreign policy that overemphasized military strength, often ignoring critical historical lessons. The Vietnam War, for example, demonstrates how military involvement can lead to defeat and a tarnished reputation. The Red Scare, influenced by figures like Stalin, created paranoia. It resulted in exaggerated perceptions of communism’s threat. While genuine dangers existed, these fears were exploited to justify military interventions that did not serve the national interest.
The chaotic outcomes of these interventions left American citizens grappling with the consequences. It’s time we break free from these elite-driven myths and recognize the complexity of our geopolitical landscape.
### INDONESIA: A BRIDGE BETWEEN EAST AND WEST
Here’s the crucial point: Indonesia can act as a vital bridge between the East and West. Kipling’s ballad illustrates that such cultural intersections can foster mutual understanding. Indonesia allows us to explore a partnership built on respect, cooperation, and shared goals.
1. CULTURAL CONVERGENCE: Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage provides a framework for understanding the complexities of both Eastern and Western philosophies. This cultural convergence facilitates a dialogue that promotes mutual respect and collaboration.
2. GEOPOLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Positioned strategically in the heart of the Indo-Pacific, Indonesia connects global trade routes. This position enhances its importance in facilitating economic exchanges. Engaging with Indonesia enhances U.S. involvement in the region without the pressure of ideological alignment.
3. FACILITATING DIALOGUE: With its non-aligned stance, Indonesia can mediate discussions between the U.S. and China, promoting cooperation rather than confrontation. Its unique position enables it to advocate for peaceful conflict resolution and foster understanding.
4. MUTUAL LEARNING: Engaging with Indonesia offers pathways to understanding the intricacies of regional dynamics. This partnership allows for shared learning opportunities that respect the aspirations of all nations involved.
5. PROMOTING STABILITY: Partnering with Indonesia becomes vital. The world is transitioning from globalization to a more tumultuous geopolitical landscape, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. By aligning as a North American nation, we can seek ways to assist in stabilizing the Indo-Pacific region. Our approach is not through a hegemonic role. Instead, we promote a cooperative manner that fosters regional stability.
### THE NEED FOR PRECISE USE OF WORDS
Words matter. The terms we use in political discourse shape public understanding and influence policymaking. When we label the U.S. as an “Indo-Pacific nation,” we commit to interventionist policies. These policies further incite fear. They lead to misunderstanding among everyday Americans.
Policymakers must choose their words wisely, framing our identity and policies to show our national story genuinely. If the narrative surrounding the U.S. is rooted in a military-first approach, we lose sight of valuable opportunities for constructive engagement based on shared values.
### CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC CONNECTIONS
A 2023 Census Bureau survey indicates that approximately 3.6% of Americans speak an Asian or Pacific language, while the overwhelming majority—78%—talk to English and 13.4% speak Spanish. This linguistic breakdown reinforces that the United States is fundamentally a North American country. Its cultural ties are deeply rooted in its history (Pew Research Center, 2021).
While Asian and Pacific languages exist within our borders, they do not define our predominant cultural landscape. This reinforces that America’s identity is intricately linked to its North American roots.
### THE DISCONNECT BETWEEN ELITES AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC
A significant disconnect exists between elite policymakers and the general American public about the Indo-Pacific narrative. Polls reveal discrepancies in perceptions about the importance of Asian economies, military presence, and trade with China. For example:
– Only 18% of everyday Americans believe that Asian economies significantly impact their states, compared to 43% of elites.
– 30% of elites advocate for increasing troop presence in the region. In contrast, only 18% of the general public supports this.
– Nearly half of elites favor trade with China, while only 25% of ordinary Americans share that belief.
These findings reveal the urgent need for policymakers to reconsider the narratives they promote about the Indo-Pacific. It’s time for a shift in perspective that aligns with the voices of ordinary Americans—“The Essential American Citizen.”
### LACK OF PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE INDO-PACIFIC
The general American public is unfamiliar with key organizations and alliances. These include QUAD, AUKUS, ASEAN, and BRICS. Many Americans struggle to recognize these groups, their purposes, or their significance in the geopolitical landscape.
This lack of awareness highlights the gap between elite discourse and public knowledge. It raises serious concerns about framing U.S. foreign policy through perspectives that do not resonate with the general populace. These alliances play critical roles in shaping regional dynamics. If the American public is not engaged, the legitimacy of policy decisions made in their name is diminished.
### REASSESSING THE STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
As the U.S. navigates its identity within the context of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, it is essential to assess the frameworks critically. This approach should be evaluated carefully. The complexity of international relations requires a nuanced understanding of how language and policy intersect to influence perceptions.
### A FRESH NARRATIVE IS ESSENTIAL
The questionable assumptions behind the “Indo-Pacific” framework need a new narrative that positions the U.S. as a North American nation. This narrative should acknowledge historical ties, cultural connections, and economic interdependence with neighboring countries, particularly Canada and Mexico. By doing so, the U.S. can foster a foreign policy consistent with its identity. It can also be responsive to the needs and aspirations of its citizens.
This new narrative serves multiple purposes:
1. ENHANCING DOMESTIC ENGAGEMENT: By reaffirming its North American identity, the U.S. can engage its citizens more effectively in discussions about foreign policy. This bridges the gap between elite narratives and public understanding of international affairs.
2. PROMOTING REGIONAL COOPERATION: A focus on North America can strengthen partnerships within the region. This focus fosters collaboration on shared challenges like trade, immigration, and climate change. Ultimately, it leads to a more coherent foreign policy.
3. RETHINKING GLOBAL STRATEGY: Emphasizing North America as the core of U.S. identity encourages reevaluating global strategies, prioritizing diplomatic engagement over military interventions that often overlook the complexities of regional dynamics.
### CONCLUSION: A CALL TO ACTION FOR THE ESSENTIAL AMERICAN CITIZEN
The designation of the United States as an “Indo-Pacific nation” is not merely a strategic label. It profoundly shapes policies. It also influences public perception. This designation serves as an imaginary construct that justifies U.S. ambitions for global primacy rather than reflecting the tangible realities of American identity and interests.
The United States must think about its identity to effectively navigate the complexities of the 21st century. It should consider the language it employs in shaping its foreign policy. By embracing a narrative that recognizes its roots as a North American nation, the U.S. can develop a foreign policy that aligns more closely with its citizens’ interests. It can also handle the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.
As American citizens—“The Essential American Citizen”—it is our responsibility to take action:
1. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about domestic and international issues that affect your life. Read, engage in discussions, and share information with your community. Knowledge is power.
2. Engage with Local Representatives: Reach out to your local and state representatives to express your concerns about foreign policy. Attend town hall meetings to discuss policies. Set up discussions about how their policies show or malign with the interests of their constituents.
3. Advocate for Policy Change: Join or create advocacy groups reflecting your foreign policy views. Push for policies prioritizing American identity and national interests, advocating for change when necessary.
4. Support Populist Nationalist Voices: Look for candidates in upcoming elections. Focus on those who value American identity. These candidates should advocate for policies that strengthen domestic needs over international interventions.
5. Use Social Media: Use social media platforms to highlight the gap between elites and the general public. Raise awareness about foreign policy. Share engaging content, start discussions, and create awareness campaigns.
6. Join in Community Discussions: Organize or take part in community forums to discuss U.S. foreign policy. Bring in diverse viewpoints and create space for open dialogue to enrich discussions.
We, the American citizens, can reclaim our national narrative by taking these concrete steps. We can make sure our foreign policy is responsive to our needs. It’s time to regain control of our country’s direction in the world. In doing so, we will contribute to a stronger and more cohesive America. Our nation will stand firm in its values. It will also promote stability and understanding on the global stage.
In conclusion, the power of words can’t be underestimated. The language we choose to define our national identity holds deep significance. It impacts our foreign policy. These choices have profound implications for how we are perceived at home and abroad. By choosing words that accurately show our identity and aspirations, we can foster a more inclusive approach to foreign policy. This approach is practical and serves the true interests of the American people. It also contributes positively to global stability.
### ABOUT TOM RAQUER
I am a retired United States Air Force Southeast Asian Foreign Area Officer. I also served as an enlisted man in the U.S. Army. I have worked as a development consultant in Indonesia. I also operated an export business. This business facilitated the trade of silver from Indonesia to the United States.
I completed long- and short-term assignments in Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, East Timor, Singapore, and Malaysia. Additionally, I participated in working conferences in Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei.
I studied Southeast Asian Finance at a university in the UK based in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. I also studied the Indonesian language at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA.
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