If we've learned anything from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it's that the United States needs to be more than a military power on the world stage. With the multitude of issues we face -- climate change, global terrorism, peacekeeping and arms control -- the United States can best serve its own interests by working with other countries, not by going it alone.
That's why Congressmen Russ Carnahan (D-Mo.) and Anh Joseph Cao (R-La.) formed the bipartisan American Engagement Caucus to educate and advocate within the U.S. government about how the United States engages with the world and international institutions like the United Nations.
The global response to the earthquake in Haiti has shown what the world is capable of when nations work together. Just imagine what could be done if countries collaborated to address other transnational challenges.
Urge your representatives to join the American Engagement Caucus.
Dear [Decision Maker],
I am writing to encourage you to join the newly formed American Engagement Caucus. This Caucus will provide a valuable forum for you and your colleagues to discuss how the United States can most effectively work with other nations and international institutions to resolve the most important global problems.
Since the United States can neither ignore today's many transnational challenges nor solve them acting alone, it is imperative that we assess how best to engage with our international partners and multilateral organizations.
The American Engagement Caucus can help stimulate new ideas and policies for effective international collaboration. It will aim to do so by assessing the pros and cons of working with international and regional organizations like the United Nations, the African Union, and the European Union.
It will also seek to better educate lawmakers about the benefits and difficulties of international cooperation, identify strategies for strengthening collective action, and address global issues such as climate change, peacekeeping, and arms control.
I strongly urge you to join and actively participate in this important new member organization.
