Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., outlined “The Rubio Doctrine” on foreign policy in a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations Wednesday.
Rubio, who has made foreign policy a hallmark of his campaign, revealed the “three pillars” of his doctrine: American strength, protection of the American economy in a globalized world and moral clarity regarding America’s core values. Rubio noted that the United States’ foreign policy is equivalent to domestic policy more so now than ever before.
“While America did not intend to become the world’s indispensable power, that is exactly what our economic and political freedoms have made us,” Rubio said. “We cannot bring about peace and stability on our own, but the world cannot do it without us.”
On American strength, Rubio said he believed fiscal issues must not get in the way of growing the size of the military and strengthening the intelligence agencies. He argued for the extension of the controversial provision of the Patriot Act that gives the government access to records and other items under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
“Key to this will be permanently extending Section 215 of the Patriot Act,” Rubio said. “We cannot let politics cloud the importance of this issue. We must never find ourselves looking back after a terrorist attack and saying we could have done more to save American lives.”
Regarding his plan to protect the American economy, Rubio said new job growth is dependent on international trade. He called on Congress to give Trade Promotion Authority to President Obama so the president can finalize controversial trade deals that have drawn criticism from members of his own party. Rubio also criticized former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s role in the Obama administration’s foreign policy.
“Those such as Secretary Clinton, who preach a message of international engagement and ‘smart power’ yet are not willing to stand up to special interests and support free trade are either hypocritical or they fail to grasp trade’s role as a tool of statecraft that can bolster our relationships with partners and, in the process, create millions of American jobs,” Rubio said.
Rubio’s comments regarding the third pillar of his foreign policy doctrine may have the most widespread appeal. The Sunshine State’s senator spoke optimistically about ensuring America leaves its mark on the next century.
“We must recognize that our nation is a global leader not just because it has superior arms, but because it has superior aims,” Rubio said. “America is the first power in history motivated by a desire to expand freedom rather than simply expand its own territory.”
Rubio described his vision for “a new American century,” which is his campaign slogan. He said protecting the American people is the president’s most important duty, highest honor, greatest burden and the most profound privilege.
“America led valiantly in the last century — from Truman to Kennedy to Reagan — and because of our leadership, that century became known as the American century,” Rubio said. “I believe America still has that genius. I believe mankind remains afflicted, and I believe that its destiny still largely remains in our hands. And I believe America will continue to advance the cause of peace and freedom in our time.”
In answer to Charlie Rose’s questions after his address, Rubio said he did not believe America needed to function as the “world’s policeman,” but that America was the only nation capable of convening a global response.
Rose then asked Rubio the question that has dogged former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush recently, regarding whether he would have authorized the Iraq War if he knew that weapons of mass destruction did not exist. “Not only would I not have been in favor of it, President Bush would not [have been] in favor of it,” Rubio responded. “I don’t think Congress would have voted for authorization had they known that.”
