ISSUE EXPLANATION​

For decades, American foreign policy has been warped by corruption, secrecy, and the outsized influence of defense contractors. It has produced endless wars, mass civilian harm, and a steady erosion of U.S. credibility. Too often, decisions about war and peace are driven not by necessity or security, but by profit and political convenience. I believe the United States should never be in the business of destabilizing countries or waging perpetual war. Ending the “forever wars” means bringing troops home, ending unauthorized airstrikes, and rejecting a system where conflict is treated as an economic strategy. War must always be a last resort, not a default policy shaped by corruption.

The Constitution is clear: the power to declare war belongs to Congress. I support restoring that authority and ending the routine bypassing of democratic accountability. No president—of any party—should be able to launch military action without congressional approval and compliance with international law. When war is waged without oversight, corruption thrives and the public pays the price.

U.S. foreign policy must prioritize diplomacy, intelligence, and humanitarian engagement over endless base-building and weapons procurement. We should never provide military aid, weapons, or security assistance to any country without strict pre-conditions. All U.S. aid—without exception—must be conditioned on compliance with international law and human rights standards, with immediate suspension for violations. American taxpayer dollars should never fund war crimes, repression, or collective punishment by allies or adversaries alike.

A secure world is built through stability, not domination. I oppose authoritarianism wherever it appears and support democratic movements worldwide, but history shows that military intervention often worsens outcomes while enriching contractors and corrupt actors. Real support for democracy means diplomacy, economic engagement, humanitarian aid, and international pressure—not reckless force. That is why restoring and expanding programs like USAID, global health initiatives, famine prevention, and disaster relief is both morally right and strategically smart.

National security also begins at home. A strong, vibrant, and sustainable American economy is one of our most important defenses. On average, the United States gets only about fifty cents in GDP growth for every dollar spent on the military, while investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, clean energy, and scientific research return far more to the economy. Spending smarter—rather than simply spending more—makes Americans safer, strengthens communities, and grows the economy at the same time.

In this context, I support Ukraine’s sovereignty against Russia’s illegal invasion and back humanitarian and defensive assistance as needed, and I support Taiwan’s security and self-determination in the face of Chinese aggression. At the same time, de-escalation, diplomacy, arms control, and preventing wider wars must remain central goals.

In the Middle East, corruption and impunity on both sides have made peace impossible. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the leaders of Hamas have failed their people for decades and they all deserve to be tried before an independent, international court for war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes against peace, and participation in a conspiracy—charges grounded in the same legal principles established at Nuremberg. No leader should be above the law. I also support a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, full restoration of humanitarian aid, a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, and recognition of the State of Palestine.

The United States must recommit to international cooperation by strengthening institutions like the Paris Climate Accords, the World Health Organization, and the International Criminal Court. Climate instability, cyber conflict, nuclear escalation, and global inequality are real security threats that cannot be solved with weapons contracts.

Finally, we must confront the corruption embedded in the military-industrial complex. Defense contractors and unchecked Pentagon spending have distorted priorities for decades. I support reforming arms sales, cracking down on war profiteering, and requiring the Pentagon to pass a full, independent audit before receiving any further budget increases. National security should be measured by real safety, stability, and prosperity—not by how much money flows to corporations with lobbying power.

A principled foreign policy puts people over profits, diplomacy over corruption, and accountability over impunity. That approach protects lives, strengthens the economy, and restores trust in American leadership.