Lisa McCormick calls for smart progressive foreign policy

Western governments must foster peace, support democratic principles, and encourage the growth of welfare state capitalism within the Middle East and North Africa region, according to one of New Jersey's leading progressive activists.

In the face of ongoing migration crises and geopolitical instability, Lisa McCormick called on Western governments to shift their approach towards the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) by actively promoting peace, liberal democracy, and a heavily regulated, welfare-state capitalism instead of merely reacting to the influx of migrants fleeing dire circumstances.

"The methods employed in the MENA region have failed," said McCormick, who took nearly four of ten votes cast away from US Senator Bob Menendez in the 2018 Democratic primary. "War does not solve the problems confronting these areas. We must acknowledge that our traditional strategies of supporting temporary allies of convenience are not sustainable."

McCormick emphasized that the dictatorial religious autocracies in the region have neither appeased their populations nor contributed to global security and stability.

"The people of MENA deserve the same opportunities for prosperity and freedom that have transformed other parts of the world. It is time for the Western powers to lead by example and reward nations that follow the path of responsible governance," said McCormick.

The turmoil of the 2010s, marked by the Arab Spring and subsequent revolutions, has led to a massive exodus of migrants seeking asylum in Europe.

The Mediterranean route, particularly through Tunisia and Libya to Italy, has been a perilous journey for many. In response, European bodies considered extensive search and rescue operations, sparking a polarized debate with some suggesting that refugees should be left to die at sea rather than welcomed into countries that offer asylum.

"The discourse surrounding these operations was overly simplistic and more than a little barbaric," said McCormick. "While some opposed the operations to deter more migrants, others criticized this stance as inhumane. The real issue is ensuring these regions are stable and prosperous so that people are not forced to flee in the first place."

McCormick draws parallels with South and Central America, regions similarly plagued by poverty, war, and corruption. She advocates for a revival of President Kennedy's Alliance for Progress, applying its principles globally to achieve peace and prosperity.

"Human aspirations for a better life will always create pressure for change," said McCormick. "It is our responsibility to empower the citizens of these war-torn and impoverished regions, much like the revolutionary and independence movements of the past. Only by fostering peace, democracy, and economic stability can we hope to build a more secure and equitable world."