The 25th Principle: Peace, Commerce, and Honest Friendship with All Nations
In W. Cleon Skousen’s seminal work, “The 5000 Year Leap,” the 25th principle encapsulates a foundational philosophy of early American foreign policy, famously articulated by Thomas Jefferson as, “Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none.” This principle advocates for a foreign policy that prioritizes tranquility, trade, and genuine camaraderie on the global stage while avoiding the complexities of binding military or political alliances. Here’s a deeper dive into this principle, its implications, and its historical context.
Historical Context
Thomas Jefferson’s quote is drawn from his first inaugural address in 1801, where he outlined his vision for a nation that would engage positively with the world while maintaining its independence. This stance was not only a reflection of Jefferson’s personal philosophy but also resonated with the broader sentiment of the time, echoing George Washington’s advice in his Farewell Address about steering clear of permanent alliances.
The principle’s roots can be traced back to an era where the United States was keen on establishing itself as a sovereign entity free from European entanglements, which were seen as sources of conflict and compromise to national autonomy. Jefferson’s advocacy for peace and commerce was seen as a means to foster national prosperity without the burdens of military commitments abroad.
The Principle in “The 5000 Year Leap”
In Skousen’s book, this principle is presented as one of the key ideas that contributed to the dramatic leap in human progress over the last two centuries. Skousen argues that this approach allowed the United States to maintain its focus on internal development and economic growth rather than squandering resources in foreign conflicts.
- Peace: This aspect of the principle underscores the importance of diplomacy over warfare, advocating for resolutions through negotiation and mutual respect rather than military action.
- Commerce: The encouragement of trade with all nations was intended to build economic bridges, which in turn could lead to greater cultural understanding and economic interdependence, reducing the likelihood of conflict.
- Honest Friendship: This component emphasizes sincerity in international relations, promoting goodwill and trust as foundational elements for lasting peace.
- Avoiding Entangling Alliances: Skousen highlights how this was crucial to prevent the U.S. from being dragged into wars not of its own making, preserving national sovereignty and decision-making autonomy.
Modern Relevance and Critique
While Jefferson’s words have inspired American foreign policy for centuries, they’ve also been subject to critique and adaptation:
- Critics argue that in a globalized world, some form of alliances might be necessary for collective security and to counterbalance aggressive actions by other nations. The U.S.’s involvement in NATO and various defense pacts post-World War II exemplifies this shift.
- Proponents of Jefferson’s principle today might point to economic agreements like trade pacts which foster commerce without the political entanglements of military alliances, arguing for a return to a policy of strategic non-alignment.
- Historical Application: The U.S. has oscillated between isolationism and interventionism, with periods like the Monroe Doctrine reflecting a more hands-off approach and others, like post-World War II, showing a deep involvement in global politics.
Conclusion
The 25th principle from “The 5000 Year Leap” by Cleon Skousen, inspired by Jefferson’s vision, continues to be a topic of discussion in the realm of international relations. It serves as a reminder of the potential benefits of peace, commerce, and straightforward diplomacy. However, the complexities of modern geopolitics often challenge the simplicity of this ideal, prompting debates on how best to balance the benefits of global engagement with the preservation of national autonomy.
Sources:
- Skousen, W. Cleon. “The 5000 Year Leap: A Miracle That Changed the World.”
- “Thomas Jefferson: ‘Peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations entangling alliances with none.'”
- “Principle of Peace, Commerce and Honest Friendship With All Nations, Entangling Alliances With None,” Constituting America.
- Jefferson, Thomas. “First Inaugural Address.” The Avalon Project.