Question #2

Should powerful countries look after the interests of less-powerful countries? In other words, is there any particular obligation to others associated with being a powerful country?
No, powerful countries should not look after the interests of less-powerful countries by backing them militarily or politically, because who is to say what is in a country’s best interest? Should the superpowers take South Ossetia’s side and fight for their independence or should they back Georgia? What about Vietnam? How would Americans react if a communist country saw homeless people in America and decided to move us closer to socialism? Based on a very enlightening conversation I had today with Michael Flynn, many Americans would be fairly upset. Although this isn’t an entirely accurate portrayal because America isn’t a ‘weaker country’, I think goes towards my main point, which is that each country should take care of itself. In addition to cultural clashes, I don’t think it is always in the best interests of a country to give aid to another. The only way a country can work is to focus primarily on its own best interests, and if after that a country feels it can give aid, then it should. However, I don’t think that any country is morally obligated to give any type of support to another country.
While I don’t think that more powerful countries are obligated to help less powerful countries, I do think wealthier countries should support the people in poorer countries. By that, I mean humanitarian aid, not military or political. As citizens of the world, it makes sense to work together and foster good feelings by sending food, medicine, etc. to those in need whenever possible.