Omar Bennett
Moral diplomacy is a diplomatic approach that has significantly influenced global affairs and international relations. Woodrow Wilson's foreign policy, which supported smaller nations that agreed to uphold American values of political democracy and self-determination, is a classic example of this. Wilson's notion of freedom extended to citizens and economic trade, and he frequently intervened in the affairs of other countries, particularly in Latin America, to spread democracy. This approach to diplomacy, which promotes peaceful conflict resolution and the advancement of human rights, has also faced criticism for its potential to lead to ideological conflicts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Support for self-determination | Freedom |
| Non-intervention | Democracy |
| Human rights advocacy | Equality |
| Encouraging collaboration among nations | Justice |
| Promoting peaceful resolutions | Open, free markets |
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What You'll Learn
Woodrow Wilson's foreign policy
Wilson's foreign policy was guided by the concept of moral diplomacy, which involved supporting smaller nations that agreed to abide by "American" values of political democracy and self-determination. He frequently intervened in the affairs of Latin American countries, including Mexico, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Panama. In Mexico, for example, Wilson refused to recognize the legitimacy of General Victoriano Huerta, who had come to power through a coup in 1913, and instead supported the anti-Huerta forces led by Venustiano Carranza. Wilson also sent US troops to Mexico in 1916 to pursue Pancho Villa, who had killed several Americans in a cross-border raid. In Haiti, US troops forced the Haitian legislature to choose Wilson's selected candidate as Haitian President.
In terms of economic policy, Wilson implemented tariff reform to support his vision of open, free markets. He authorized private loans and promised military action if countries defaulted on their loans. Wilson also worked with other nations, particularly European ones, to collectively advance their ideals and interests.
During World War I, Wilson initially maintained American neutrality and tried to broker peace between the warring parties. However, in 1917, he asked Congress to declare war on Germany after several American ships were sunk and the Zimmermann telegram outraged Americans. After the war, Wilson played a key role in reorganizing world affairs, including the creation of the League of Nations. He also fought against Japanese demands regarding concessions in China at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919 but ultimately backed down. Despite his efforts, the Senate never ratified the Treaty of Versailles, with opposition focusing on concerns about the cession of war powers to the League of Nations.
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Support for self-determination
Woodrow Wilson's foreign policy from 1913 to 1921 was based on the principle of moral diplomacy, which was hinged upon moral values and freedom rather than purely imperialist interests. This approach to diplomacy played a significant role in the decolonization process, supporting movements for self-determination in various regions worldwide.
Wilson's notion of self-determination was based on the belief that people had the moral right to choose their form of government and leaders through democratic elections. In his view, moral diplomacy empowered developing nations to become self-sustaining and democratic, rather than extending American power. This was in contrast to the policies of his predecessors, which were defined as "the policy, practice, or advocacy of extending the power and dominion of a nation... by direct territorial acquisitions or by gaining indirect control over political or economic life".
Wilson's commitment to self-determination was tested in Mexico, where he refused to recognise General Victoriano Huerta, who had risen to power in 1913 by staging a coup against the democratically elected Francisco Madera. Wilson's refusal to acknowledge Huerta's legitimacy was based on his disdain for Huerta's undemocratic rise to power. However, his unilateral decision to send thousands of US troops into Mexico in pursuit of Pancho Villa, who had incited conflict between the two nations, called his commitment to self-determination into question. Wilson's actions were viewed by many as a move for economic and political control under the guise of morality.
In Latin America, Wilson's insistence on democratic governments undermined the promise of self-determination for Latin American states, who had hoped to be free to conduct their own affairs without American interference. Wilson intervened in several countries in the region, including Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Panama, and Cuba, under the principles of moral diplomacy. He sent American marines to Haiti and the Dominican Republic to restore order in the face of chronic revolution, but the military occupations that followed failed to create the democratic states that were their stated objective.
Despite the criticisms and limitations of Wilson's approach to moral diplomacy, his ideals eventually came to fruition as the United States joined the United Nations following World War II, cementing its position as a global actor in international affairs.
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Human rights advocacy
Woodrow Wilson's foreign policy as President of the United States was based on the principle of moral diplomacy. This approach to international relations has had a profound impact on history and continues to influence global affairs.
Moral diplomacy is a diplomatic strategy that promotes peaceful conflict resolution and respects the sovereignty of nations. It encourages self-determination, allowing countries to determine their political, economic, and social systems without external interference. At its core is the advancement of human rights, equality, freedom, and justice, and the combating of discrimination, inequality, and injustice. It encourages collaboration among nations, emphasizing the importance of international organizations, treaties, and forums to address global challenges.
In practice, Wilson's moral diplomacy involved supporting smaller nations that agreed to uphold 'American' values of political democracy and self-determination. He used economic and military pressure on nations that rejected these values. Wilson frequently intervened in the affairs of other countries, particularly in Latin America, stating:
> "I am going to teach the South American republics to elect good men".
This intervention included Mexico in 1914, Haiti from 1915–1934, the Dominican Republic in 1916, Cuba in 1917, and Panama in 1918. Wilson believed in the duty of the US to spread democracy and was willing to use aggressive moral diplomacy to ensure this objective. For example, in Haiti, American troops forced the Haitian legislature to choose the candidate Wilson selected as Haitian President.
While moral diplomacy has contributed to the global expansion of democratic governance, it has also faced criticism. Some argue that its emphasis on moral principles can lead to ideological conflicts and unrealistic expectations. Critics suggest that pragmatism is necessary to effectively address the complexities of international relations.
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Non-intervention
Woodrow Wilson's foreign policy as President of the United States was characterised by what came to be known as "moral diplomacy". This approach to international relations was underpinned by a belief in American exceptionalism and the country's duty to spread democracy and certain "American values" across the world.
However, the concept of moral diplomacy is not synonymous with interventionism. In fact, moral diplomacy discourages the use of military force and instead favours diplomatic negotiations to resolve international conflicts. It promotes peaceful resolutions and respects the sovereignty of nations. This approach to diplomacy has had a profound impact on international relations, shaping the course of history by inspiring liberation movements and contributing to the global expansion of democratic governance.
Moral diplomacy also encompasses the principle of support for self-determination, which endorses the rights of individuals and nations to determine their own political, economic, and social systems without external interference. This principle of non-intervention stands in stark contrast to the interventionist actions Wilson took during his presidency, particularly in Latin America. For example, Wilson frequently intervened in the affairs of countries such as Mexico, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Panama. In Haiti, American troops forced the Haitian legislature to choose Wilson's selected candidate as the country's president.
While moral diplomacy as a broader concept advocates for non-intervention, Wilson's interpretation and application of it in the early 20th century resulted in aggressive interventions in the name of spreading democracy and American values. This contradiction highlights the complex nature of diplomatic strategies and the evolving dynamics of international relations.
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Cooperation and multilateralism
Woodrow Wilson's moral diplomacy had a significant impact on the course of history, shaping global affairs and international relations. This approach to diplomacy emphasised cooperation and multilateralism, promoting collaboration among nations.
Wilson's presidency was marked by frequent interventions in the affairs of other countries, particularly in Latin America. He believed in the spread of democracy and American values of political democracy and self-determination. This was achieved through economic and military pressure on nations that did not embrace these values.
Wilson's foreign policy was characterised by support for smaller nations that agreed to uphold these 'American' values. He also implemented tariff reforms to encourage his vision of open, free markets. His policies laid the groundwork for the US to gain more influence on the global stage, working with European nations to collectively advance their shared ideals and interests.
Moral diplomacy, as a concept, encourages collaboration and emphasises the importance of international organisations, treaties, and forums in addressing global challenges. It promotes peaceful resolutions to conflicts and respects national sovereignty. This approach to diplomacy has contributed to the expansion of democratic governance worldwide, inspiring liberation movements and advocating for human rights, equality, freedom, and justice.
While moral diplomacy has had its successes, it has also faced criticism. Some argue that its strong emphasis on moral principles can lead to ideological conflicts and unrealistic expectations in the complex world of international relations. Critics suggest that pragmatism is necessary to balance moral diplomacy, effectively addressing the intricate dynamics between nations.
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Frequently asked questions
Moral diplomacy is a diplomatic approach that promotes peaceful conflict resolution and respects the sovereignty of nations. It encourages self-determination, human rights, and equality.
The key principles of Moral Diplomacy include non-intervention, support for self-determination, advancement of human rights, and cooperation between nations.
Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, used Moral Diplomacy in his foreign policy negotiations. He supported smaller nations that agreed to abide by American values of political democracy and self-determination.
Wilson's Moral Diplomacy set the foundation for the United States to gain more power on the world stage. It also contributed to the global expansion of democratic governance and inspired liberation movements.
Critics argue that Moral Diplomacy can lead to ideological conflicts and unrealistic expectations. They suggest that it should be balanced with pragmatism to effectively address the complexities of international relations.
