Our second graph examines connections between a free society and the people and nations outside its borders. Economically, a free country is internationalist in outlook. Its government imposes no trade or immigration barriers, since any such regulations would necessarily invade individual rights and would inevitably require the initiation of force (Open Details window). Consequently, free citizens are free to cultivate peaceful, friendly relations with the citizens of foreign countries.

The military services in a free government exist for the sole purpose of defending the immediate interests (i. e., the lives, liberty, and property) of its citizens. Since such a government does not aspire to the role of world policeman, it need not, for example, make the problematic decision that a particular autocrat in a certain country represents the "lesser evil" and therefore deserves military and other support. By way of contrast, interventions by the United States in recent years in countries such as Iran, Iraq, Haiti, Bosnia, and Kosovo have required liaisons with régimes or political factions of highly dubious moral character. Unencumbered by such unholy alliances and futile entanglements, the government of a free society is far less susceptible to charges of "imperialism" and to worldwide popular condemnation.

Because of these policies of free trade, free immigration, and military nonaggression, the relationship between a free country and foreign countries is mainly one of peace rather than war.      Next page


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