Back then, the oceans were tremendous barriers to easy access across the world. With the advent of air travel, that changed dramatically.
Isolationism and getting mixed up in everyone's poker game are false alternatives. Having a geographically spread presence is compatible with not meddling in the affairs of other nations.
I always wondered why isolationism was abandoned - and had to be undone by Pearl Harbor.
Back then, the oceans were tremendous barriers to easy access across the world. With the advent of air travel, that changed dramatically.
Isolationism and getting mixed up in everyone's poker game are false alternatives. Having a geographically spread presence is compatible with not meddling in the affairs of other nations.
Well said.
There is a 1984 book, "Defending a Free Society", that is still good reading. Chapter 6 spells out why the United States needs a strong global navy.
https://www.amazon.com/Defending-Free-Society-Robert-Poole/dp/0669072400