Watch Debating Our Destiny documentary - Part 2

The documentary "Debating Our Destiny: America's Role in the World" is a thought-provoking exploration of the United States' role in international affairs, examining past decisions and current challenges. Part 2 of this series is a continuation of the in-depth analysis exploring the key issues that face the country today. The movie begins with a retrospective of the years between World War II and the present day, tracing the evolution of American foreign policy from containment to the notion of spreading democracy. The documentary closely examines key moments such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War, to understand how the U.S. has approached its foreign affairs in recent history. Experts discuss how events such as the September 11th attacks have shifted priorities and prompted new strategies that focus on counter-terrorism efforts.

The film then delves into current dynamics and explores the issues that have emerged in recent years. These include the rise of China as a global power, the growing threat of North Korea's nuclear program, and the changing nature of Middle Eastern conflicts. Experts weigh in on the various policy strategies that have been proposed to address these issues, but the complexity of modern-day foreign affairs is highlighted, where solutions may not be easily forthcoming.

The documentary highlights the nuanced and sophisticated nature of modern-day foreign policy, emphasizing how countries interact with one another in a web of relationships and interests, both within and beyond the boundaries of reciprocal alliances. The US has a special position as a global superpower, and as a result, the fate of the world is, to an extent, inextricably tied to its power balancing decisions. The documentary argues that American foreign policy cannot be viewed singularly, as much is at stake beyond national borders.

The film concludes with a discussion on the U.S.'s place in the world moving forward. Many questions linger in the minds of experts and critics alike, about the role the United States should play in the international community. The documentary puts forth three compelling scenarios for the future:

The first scenario posits that the U.S. should continue to operate as the world's policeman and seek to maintain order through alliances and interventions, even if it means using military force.

The second scenario challenges the United States' global role altogether, arguing for a complete withdrawal from global politics and a focus on domestic issues.

The third scenario puts forward the idea that America should retreat from its policing and interventionist role, but maintain a strong leadership role in select regions and leverage its power to promote diplomacy and peace.

At the core of "Debating Our Destiny: America's Role in the World" is a wrestling with the question of what it means to be an international superpower. It's a complex and ongoing discussion that will continue to shape the course of U.S. and world history. This documentary serves as an important entry point to that conversation, bringing clarity to past triumphs and pitfalls while laying out the potential pathways for the future.

Debating Our Destiny documentary - Part 2 is a documentary with a runtime of 55 minutes.