America’s history is littered with moments of brilliance, punctuated by bouts of collective myopia. Few ideas encapsulate this paradox better than “America First.” While cloaked in the language of patriotism and self-preservation, the mantra has consistently failed when tested against the realities of an interconnected world. In fact, “America First” is less a rallying cry for progress than it is a cautionary tale of shortsightedness, a symptom of ignoring the obvious truth: diversity, collaboration, and shared responsibility are not just ideals—they are survival strategies.
Let’s take a walk through history to understand why isolationism, though tempting in its simplicity, never pays off in practice.
A Committee, a Cause, and a Controversy
The America First Committee (AFC) emerged in 1940, an organization of isolationists who believed the United States could—and should—remain neutral as Europe burned in the throes of World War II. It was a rallying point for those who thought oceans would shield the U.S. from the messiness of global conflict. What they failed to grasp was that geography doesn’t insulate you from moral obligations or economic interdependence.
At the forefront of this movement was Charles Lindbergh, America’s golden boy aviator. His accomplishments in the sky were unmatched, but his political views were another story. Lindbergh’s speeches, particularly the infamous one in Des Moines on September 11, 1941, painted a grim picture of his philosophy. Blaming Jews, the British, and the Roosevelt administration for dragging the U.S. toward war, Lindbergh’s rhetoric revealed the dark underbelly of the America First mindset: scapegoating, paranoia, and an unwillingness to engage with the complexities of the world.
The backlash was immediate and fierce. Even those sympathetic to isolationism distanced themselves from Lindbergh’s antisemitic undertones. The AFC’s credibility crumbled under the weight of its own arrogance.
The Flawed Premise of Isolationism
The “America First” philosophy assumes a kind of self-sufficiency that doesn’t exist in reality. Pre-World War II isolationism ignored fundamental truths about the modern world. Economies are linked. Cultures evolve through exchange. And security is a shared endeavor, not a fortress mentality.
When Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941, the illusion of isolationism shattered. America was forced to confront the world stage it had tried so hard to ignore. The war effort, fueled by a coalition of allies, proved the power of collaboration. The post-war years, shaped by institutions like the United Nations and NATO, cemented the lesson: the U.S. thrives when it leads not as a lone wolf, but as part of a pack.
Eclecto-Pragmatic Reality
Diversity is not just a feel-good concept; it’s a proven strategy for resilience. When nations, like individuals, isolate themselves, they lose out on innovation, mutual accountability, and the shared stakes that keep everyone invested in the future. History shows us repeatedly that the most prosperous societies are the ones that embrace their interconnectedness.
Consider how collective action has addressed existential challenges. The global economy benefits from trade agreements that lower barriers and foster growth. Climate change, though still a battle, demonstrates the necessity of nations coming together to combat a common threat. Even in moments of crisis, like pandemics, the world’s greatest successes are rooted in shared research, resources, and expertise.
“America First” runs counter to these realities. It’s an idea that pretends the U.S. can stand apart from a world where every decision ripples outward. In truth, isolationism doesn’t just harm others—it harms the very nation it claims to protect.
A Lesson in Collective Stakes
The lesson of “America First” is simple but profound: the world works better when everyone has something to lose. This interconnectedness doesn’t make us weaker; it makes us stronger. The moment we acknowledge that our security, economy, and humanity are all inextricably linked is the moment we unlock our full potential.
Charles Lindbergh’s flawed vision and the America First Committee’s collapse remind us that isolationism is a dead end. Pragmatism demands that we lean into collaboration, that we embrace the messy, vibrant world in all its diversity. After all, history has made it clear: America doesn’t lead by retreating. It leads by engaging, innovating, and showing the world what’s possible when we work together.