Paragraph 1: Argument in Favor of Manifest Destiny
Manifest Destiny has played an important role in the history of the United States. It is the principle that the United States was destined to expand its borders to the Pacific Ocean and fulfill its commitment to democracy and liberty. Proponents of Manifest Destiny argued that through territorial expansion the US would become a nation respected by its neighbors and create an interconnected economy that could spur on further growth and development. Evidence to support this point of view can be seen in the Louisiana Purchase, the annexation of Texas and the Gadsden Purchase—each of which extended the US border to the West. Furthermore, the spirit of Manifest Destiny can still be seen in ongoing efforts to normalize trade with countries like Mexico and expand the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Paragraph 2: Argument in Favor of Isolationism
The concept of Isolationism has been especially attractive in an era of global interdependence. Isolationism calls for a country to minimize its involvement in foreign affairs and protect its own interests by focusing on domestic concerns instead. Supporters argue that in most cases, nations are better served by avoiding expanding their geopolitical reach and instead promoting stability and long-term economic prosperity at home. They point to cases like the UK, whose economy is still healthy despite their non-interventionist approach to international relations. Furthermore, cases like Iraq and Syria demonstrate the dangers of overextending a country’s military power—both in terms of economic and human costs—and are clear evidence that isolationism can be a more successful and prudent policy.