Introduction
To truly make America great again, we must move beyond slogans and focus on the real, deep-rooted issues that have affected the country’s global leadership, economy, and moral standing. America has long been entangled in unwanted wars that have not only devastated other nations but also weakened its own economy and innovation potential.
- The Cost of Unwanted Wars
For many years, America has been involved in wars that were not only unnecessary but also deeply damaging. These wars led to massive human rights violations, the deaths of millions of innocent people, and the destruction of countless families. At home, the economic burden of these wars weakened the country, shifting its focus from technological advancement to military dominance.
The vision of America as a world leader should be based on science, innovation, education, and cooperation—not through force and conflict. - The Root Cause: A Privatized Weapons Industry
One of the major reasons behind America’s continued involvement in conflicts is the privatization of its weapons industry. Private defense corporations grow richer during wars. If there are no wars, their profits dry up. Through heavy lobbying, they create political pressure and ensure that every few years, new grounds for conflict are laid.
Such influence over national politics is dangerous not only for America but for global peace. Their presence in policy-making needs to be restructured. - A Historical Parallel: The Slavery System and Lincoln’s Bold Vision
This situation is eerily similar to the pre-Civil War era when slave-holding states refused to give up slavery because it was profitable. These states were blind to the future. But President Abraham Lincoln envisioned a more advanced, fair, and industrial America. He took bold steps, even at the cost of civil war, to abolish slavery and lay the foundation for a progressive nation.
It was this decision that eventually made America great. By ending slavery, the country transformed from an agriculture-dependent economy into an industrial superpower. The availability of low-cost labor and the rise of industrial infrastructure allowed the U.S. to leap forward on the global stage. Lincoln did not let the greed of a few dictate the fate of the many.
Today, the government must show similar courage. America should nationalize weapons manufacturing or heavily regulate it. Private defense companies should be offered shares in other industries of equal value so their business interests are redirected away from war.
- Move Away from Crude Oil Politics and Invest in Innovation
Another issue that has fueled unnecessary wars is America’s dependency on crude oil. Competition over oil has pulled the U.S. into conflicts that have cost lives, money, and global trust. In some cases, this policy has even led the U.S. to support nations or actions that go against human rights and peace—such as the recent involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts, including support to Israel in situations of humanitarian crisis.
Instead of fighting over oil, America must lead the innovation of clean energy and alternative fuels. This will reduce global tensions, create new industries, and give the country moral leadership in climate action. - Redefining Greatness: Principles Over Power
Being rich or militarily powerful is not what makes a country great. Greatness comes from character—replacing war with peace, conflict with cooperation, cruelty with compassion, and rigid ideology with openness.
America must rise again—not by dominating others, but by leading them towards a peaceful and prosperous world. Greatness lies in unity, vision, and moral leadership, not in hegemony.
Conclusion
To truly “Make America Great Again,” the country must shift its priorities. America must stop being a battlefield investor and become an innovation leader. Through peace, technology, and human values, America can regain not just its power, but its rightful place as a respected and admired global leader.