The Language of Freedom

....This language of freedom, when magnified to world, has traditionally been a key weapon in America’s public diplomacy arsenal and it was exploited beginning in 1985 through use of modern communications technology on a scale hitherto not possible. .....Complementing this language of freedom was another weapon in America’s public diplomacy arsenal that is rarely discussed, particularly in recent times. Even when it is acknowledged, it is done so grudgingly and with a tinge of cynicism. And yet, without it, no amount of diplomatic persuasion, economic or military capability, communications technology, or international exchange programs could have brought Cold War to its final ‘bloodless’ disposition. .....Ironically, this ultimate weapon was nothing more than a Fifth Column of freedom-loving individuals, unorganized and undisciplined, but waiting patiently for ‘trumpets to call.’ They manned their posts in every farm, town, and city and in every family, school, and place of worship throughout Soviet Empire. Each of them, young and old, were waiting for historically appointed moment to answer call that was ‘crying out’ from depths of their souls — to be free from political oppression. And when appointed time did come, they acted in spontaneous unison — as though guided from above — formed a community of noble purpose, and decisively challenged evil that for too long had poisoned their souls. This Fifth Column — forgotten heroes of Cold War — dramatically reshaped social, economic, political, moral and spiritual dynamics of an entire world. .....For these reasons alone, no one can rightfully deny success of American foreign policy; it has transformed world in every conceivable way and it has done so for better. But, success always cuts in two directions. In one sense, it signifies an ending; in another, it constitutes a beginning. .....The swift collapse of Berlin Wall in late 1989 signified final outcome of one of most tragic periods in human history. And, individuals from all corners of globe rejoiced in wonderment as human spirit emerged triumphant over forces of oppression. Yet, more than mere celebration, this victory also marked a period of closure. For despite existence of such incorrigible tyrannies as China, North Korea, and Cuba, it now appears certain that oppressive regimes are becoming an endangered species in international politics. Indeed, hundreds of millions of individuals ‘yearning to be free’ — and inspired by America’s moral leadership — have already acted to become free and history has made clear that those still oppressed will soon be liberated. .....This is a cause for optimism. And yet, fundamental challenge that increasingly confronts America stems not from fact of political oppression — although that struggle will continue — but from alienating dynamics of nationalism, tribalism, terrorism, racism, ethnic hatreds, religious conflict, ideological politics, separatism, national self-interest, and unfettered competition across broad spectrum of human interchange. These dynamics, more than any others, denote substance of international political life today. CONTINUE TO PART TWO

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Gerald L. Campbell served as senior staff to Members of the U.S. House of Representatives for nine years. He became Senior Advisor to the Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) under President Ronald Reagan and President George Bush.