The 2020 presidential election raised a question on how involved the U.S. ought to be in the international community. President Trump styled his administration as putting “America first” by prioritizing our county’s interests above others, and ending agreements that appeared to counter that. President Biden campaigned instead on a platform that rejected unilateralism, and instead called for the U.S. to work more with the international community. Within the first 24 hours of his inauguration, President Biden has signed a variety of executive orders, many of which are designed to overturn President Trump’s past policies. Two of the most significant of these orders have resulted in the U.S. re-joining the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accord. So, this leads to a big question…Should the U.S. Be Involved in International Governing Organizations?

Those who say yes, and support the U.S. becoming more involved in international governing organizations argue that we have a responsibility to be a leader in these institutions. They contend that because the U.S. is such a strong nation, we have an obligation to lead and assist others in making the world into a better place. They may also argue that issues like climate change and COVID-19 are monumental issues that are better tackled as a global community rather than unilaterally.

Those who say no, and oppose the U.S. becoming more involved in international governing organizations argue that our government needs to prioritize the interests of Americans over other nations. They contend that our government is elected to represent Americans, not to represent the world. This side worries that ceding authority to global organizations like the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accord will result in policy decisions being made in part by the leaders of other countries—who Americans have no ability to vote in or out of office.

So, what do you think? Should the U.S. be involved in international governing organizations? Students can answer Yes, it should; No, it should not; or a nuanced answer in between!

---

Note: Ideal Think the Vote responses include the following:    

• Address the question asked in a thoughtful and meaningful manner   
• Use cited facts and constitutional arguments when appropriate to support their answers    
• Are expressed in cohesive sentences and are free of distracting spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors    
• They address counterarguments and opposing concerns in a respectful manner    
• They organize their answer in a manner that flows logically and reads clearly 

---

JOIN THE DEBATE BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $1,000 CASH SCHOLARSHIP!

For this question, BRI will be giving away two $25 gift cards, one to each person providing the best defense of each side of the debate. Both students will also win BRI swag. Each student winner will also be entered for a chance to win a grand prize of a $1,000 cash scholarship. Additionally, the referring teachers for both students will each win a $25 gift card and BRI swag.

Be sure to submit your answers in time to be considered for our prizes!

(For rules/regulations click HERE)