A healthy global economic system requires a hyperpower to keep the peace, and Democrats (prodded by Silicon Valley) are coming back into the game. Walter Russell Mead:
Silicon Valley is a major donor to Democrats, and it seems to be moving toward an understanding of the importance of a strong and outward looking America. Historically, cutting edge corporations have supported the rise of American power partly as a way of assuring that U.S. foreign policy and power would support their corporate agendas and help them get fair treatment in a world where foreign corporations enjoyed clear backing from their governments. It’s beginning to look as if Silicon Valley is heading down this well-trodden trail. This suggests a revival of a strong national defense and national greatness lobby in the Democratic Party, especially if we reflect on the degree to which defense spending in the future is likely to intersect with the kinds of products Silicon Valley makes.
If the GOP's far right continues to beat the retreat from the world stage (favoring tax cuts over protecting defense spending, for instance), Democrats will have to assume this role. A powerful United States navy means global shipping lanes will be clear and peaceful, a strong U.S. Army helps ensure stability for our allies in Asia, and a United States that cares about preventing human rights abuses will save innumerable lives in chaotic Africa and Southwest Asia. Those priorities are worth defending, and if the Tea Party won't do it, somebody else must.