In a recent discussion, Professor Jeffrey Sachs shared his candid thoughts on the state of international relations, focusing particularly on the role of the United States in shaping global conflicts.

Sachs, a renowned economist with over three decades of experience working with various governments and political leaders, was deeply concerned about the direction in which international policy, especially in Europe and the U.S., is headed. His reflections shed light on the historical and ongoing consequences of a foreign policy that has predominantly favored military intervention and ignored peacebuilding efforts.

The U.S. and the Rise of Unipolarity

Professor Sachs' long-standing involvement in international diplomacy and his deep understanding of Eastern Europe, particularly Russia, made him acutely aware of the U.S.'s growing influence since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The early 1990s marked the beginning of a shift where the U.S. began to assert its dominance on the global stage, particularly after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Sachs points out that this new reality, wherein the U.S. believed it "ran the world," led to a series of decisions that set the stage for conflicts and instability in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

One of the most significant moments of this unipolar moment was the U.S. decision to pursue NATO’s eastward expansion.

Despite explicit assurances given during the German reunification negotiations that NATO would not move eastward, the U.S. chose to push NATO into Eastern Europe. This decision was taken in the 1990s, and in Sachs’ view, it was a clear signal that the U.S. aimed to establish its hegemony in the region, disregarding the concerns of other nations, including Russia.

Consequences of U.S.-Led Wars

Sachs also highlights the devastating consequences of U.S.-led wars over the last three decades. From the bombing of Belgrade in 1999 to the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, Sachs argues that the U.S. has been a central force in driving wars across the globe.

These conflicts, while often justified by the rhetoric of spreading democracy or countering terrorism, have had far-reaching consequences for regional stability and global peace.

The Iraq War, in particular, stands out as an example of U.S. interventionism gone wrong. Sachs criticizes the war's origin, pointing out that it was not merely an isolated decision but a carefully orchestrated effort by key figures in the U.S. administration, including Paul Wolfowitz and Douglas Feith. According to Sachs, the war was, in part, motivated by Israeli interests and was a key factor in shaping U.S. foreign policy for years to come.

In Africa, too, the U.S. has been involved in shaping conflicts that, according to Sachs, often serve broader geopolitical goals rather than the promotion of peace or human rights.

The situation in Sudan, including the creation of South Sudan, is another example of how U.S. intervention has played a role in regional conflicts. Sachs makes the point that military interventions are not spontaneous uprisings or local rebellions but are often part of larger geopolitical strategies, funded and facilitated by powerful states.

The U.S. and Europe: A Lost Voice

Sachs also reflects on Europe’s role in this global power dynamic. Since the end of the Cold War, Europe has struggled to maintain an independent foreign policy.

According to Sachs, Europe has often been relegated to a secondary role, with American interests dominating European decisions. The most notable instance of this was during the Iraq War in 2003, when France and Germany stood firm against the U.S.'s decision to bypass the UN Security Council.

However, Sachs notes that this was one of the last moments when Europe had a distinct voice on the global stage. Since then, European nations have largely followed the U.S.'s lead, even when it came at the expense of European security and unity.

The expansion of NATO and the lack of a unified European foreign policy have left the continent vulnerable to external influences. Sachs points out that NATO’s expansion, particularly into Ukraine and Georgia, has been a constant source of tension with Russia.

This, in turn, has led to a situation where Russia perceives itself as being encircled by NATO forces, leading to heightened tensions and ultimately conflict.

The Path Forward: Rethinking Foreign Policy

Sachs believes that it is time for a fundamental shift in how global powers, particularly the U.S. and Europe, approach international relations. Instead of continuing down the dangerous path of military intervention and expansionism, Sachs advocates for a focus on peacebuilding, diplomacy, and mutual understanding.

He stresses the need for a world order where nations respect each other’s sovereignty and security concerns rather than imposing unilateral agendas.

He also calls on Europe to regain its voice in global affairs. Europe, according to Sachs, must come together to create a foreign policy that prioritizes peace and security, rather than blindly following the U.S. into costly wars.

The European Union, Sachs argues, should take a leadership role in promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and peace in Europe and beyond.

A Call for Peace

Professor Jeffrey Sachs' reflections on U.S. foreign policy offer a sobering view of the consequences of unipolarity and military interventionism. His call for a shift towards diplomacy, peacebuilding, and multilateralism resonates strongly in a world that is increasingly fragmented by conflict.

As Sachs points out, the global situation is not simply a matter of ideology but one of lived experiences and firsthand observations. The time has come for the international community to rethink its approach to peace, ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten and that future generations inherit a world where peace is prioritized above all else.