A Foreign Policy of Freedom: Peace, Commerce, and Honest Friendship

by Ron Paul, Llewellyn H. Rockwell Jr. (Foreword)

A collection of statements Congressman Ron Paul has made over the past 30 years dealing with foreign policy from the date he was first elected to Congress.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Economics, History, War, Political Science

372 pages

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Republican United States Congressman from Lake Jackson, Texas, a physician, a bestselling author, and a former 2008 U.S. presidential candidate.
Originally from the Pittsburgh suburb of Green Tree, Pennsylvania, he studied at Duke University School of Medicine; after his 1961 graduation and a residency in obstetrics and gynecology, he became a U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, serving outside the Vietnam War zone. He later represented Texas districts in the U.S. House of Representatives (1976–1977, 1979–1985, and 1997–present). He entered the 1988 presidential election, running as the Libertarian nominee while remaining a registered Republican, and placed a distant third.

Paul has been described as conservative, Constitutionalist, and libertarian. He advocates a foreign policy of nonintervention, having voted against actions such as the Iraq War Resolution, but in favor of force against terrorists in Afghanistan. He favors withdrawal from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the United Nations, citing the dangers of foreign entanglements to national sovereignty. Having pledged never to raise taxes, he has long advocated ending the federal income tax, scaling back government spending, abolishing most federal agencies, and removing military bases and troops from foreign soil; he favors hard money and opposes the Federal Reserve. He also opposes the Patriot Act, the federal War on Drugs, No Child Left Behind, and gun control. Paul is strongly pro-life, and has introduced bills to negate Roe v. Wade, but affirms states' rights to regulate or ban abortion, rather than federal jurisdiction.

While Paul was a leading 2008 presidential candidate in some Republican straw polls, he saw substantially less support in landline opinion polls and in the actual primaries. Strong internet grassroots support was indicated by his popularity as a web search term, his lead in YouTube subscriptions, and, on December 16th 2007, the largest one-day fundraiser in U.S. political history, netting over $6 million in 24 hours through an independently organized effort. His book commenting on the presidential run, The Revolution: A Manifesto, became a bestseller immediately upon release and went on to be #1 on the New York Times nonfiction best sellers list.

Judge Andrew Napolitano calls him "the Thomas Jefferson of our day."

Ron Paul, the New York Post once wrote, is a politician who "cannot be bought by special interests."

"There are few people in public life who, through thick and thin, rain or shine, stick to their principles," added a congressional colleague. "Ron Paul is one of those few."

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent overview of an alternative viewpoint for US foreign strategic policy since WWII. Although the author begins his ascent into the Congressional stage starting primarily in the 1980's, his frequent allusions to earlier policy coalesce into well formed themes that persist throughout his oratory challenging to the neo-conservatism and the big welfare/warfare body of politic that emerged at the dawn of 21st century. A political and economic scholar, and not unlike a prophet, Dr. Ron Paul attacks the aggressive, interventionist agenda with scores of warnings for the threats to life and limb, economy, security, American reputation, and future foreign policy. His alternative? A reasonable and friendly approach to all nations, with entangling alliances to none, and only the proper vetting of Congressional war responsibilities through a declaration of war. Dr. Paul is tireless in his assertions to remand executive authority the right to start war, as is proper according to the Constitution, and he reasons that only sound monetary policy can cap the spending spree for private interest. A final word of warning, if not that ethical, legal, and freedom principles force out interventionism, then the practical reasons will, and a diminished and depressed economy will finally end this love affair for American empire.

[John Mcgeorge · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I have immense respect for Dr. Ron Paul as a citizen, doctor, veteran, and politician. I have learned much about economics from his writings, and I think he has a great mind.

However, any review which starts that way has a "but" in it, and this one is no exception.

At times, I found myself enthralled by his arguments, but just as quickly, I could be left shaking my head. Typos aside...I can forgive them so long as I can figure out what was meant...It's not a question of being difficult to understand. He tackles complex issues, but writes in layman's terms. And it's not a question of not wanting my own sacred cows slaughtered. I don't claim to be a historical expert, but I feel I at least know enough to question certain of his premises and/or conclusions. By turns, even within the same speech, he jumped from the long view of history to a very short view, and that would muddle the strength of his thesis.

It would be extreme hubris of me to sit here and pronounce the final judgment on a man who has served his country well in a variety of capacities for so many years. By all means, read the book; there is much that anyone can learn from it. But as with any topic, don't take one tome as the last word on the subject. Learn from its strong and weak points, and use it as a fresh angle to sharpen your view.

[Marcus · Rating 3 out of 5]

A selection of Paul's speeches before Congress on topics such as war, taxation, civil liberties, foreign policy, etc. Reasoned, prescient writings against Federal excess: excessive taxing, excessive spending, excessive foreign meddling. If you were to remove references to dates you could apply them flawlessly to their identical, current, policy-blunder counterparts. One maddening déjà vu after another. Many of these fiascos are still festering as badly today.

The book is a collection of previously published speeches, so most of it isn't new, but additional commentary and notes have been added by Paul to put speeches into historical context and to help illustrate their relevance today. Some of the speeches were somewhat redundant, and as a result the book could have been 30% shorter, yet still gotten the same point across. While I didn't find myself agreeing with him on a few major issues, it was impossible not to admire his consistency in adhering to his principles: limited government intrusion, friendly dialogue with all nations. Congress could use more men like Dr. Paul, and fewer robots toeing the line.

The front-running Republican candidate and front-running Democratic candidate both voted for continued funding of the Patriot Act. And this is supposed to be a choice? It's like being offered the "choice" between getting punched in the left eye or the right eye. Either way you're fucked. If legislation has a name that sounds like it came out of a Huxley or Orwell novel, it's bad news. I'd like to keep the Brave New World a book on Goodreads. If I was forced to live through a book, I'd rather it be something with zombies. You know, the shuffling, brain-eating type zombie. Not the Huffington/Coulter type.

[Zinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains how the Founding Father's advice to stay clear of entangling alliances with all countries and free trade with all is the most peaceful and problem free foreign policy any country could possibly have.

The current neo-con policy we have now (supported by both major parties and the main stream media) gives foreign aid to both sides of warring parties and puts US service men in the middle of the crossfire. Both warring sides are pissed off at the US for funding the other side, further isolating the US from any friends. Furthermore, the American taxpayers get ticked off because our military are used to enforce corporate interests and United Nations policies, instead of US National Security, while bankrupting our nation, increasing our tax burden, and stealing our property through inflation.

Entangling alliances and foreign aid to none with free trade with all would set an example of how a free country should act, and take a heavy burden off the working American from having to subsidize the military industry complex and international corporations.

Where do the neo-cons get the authority to engage in pre-emptive warfare when our national security is not at risk? Where do they get the authority to use force of arms to invade other countries to make them democracies? Don't they know that the Founding Fathers viewed democracy as one of the most unstable and violent forms of government?

Wake up America! Read your Constitution!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a time in America that when we left other nations alone, allowing them the opportunity for self determination, as we desire for ourselves. But there was a stark turning point when Woodrow Wilson brought us into World War I. We had no interest in a war amongst European nations, yet Wilson brought us there on false pretenses that he largely created himself. Since then our presidents have been very active in meddling in the affairs of other nations.

Our interfering in the affairs of foreign nations has led us into multiple and unnecessary wars resulting in millions of deaths, economic ruin, and often leads us into contradictory positions like funding both sides of wars (Israel and Palestine, etc.)

I highly recommend reading this to learn about the best option we have in foreign policy--which is to let other nations determine their own course, as we desire for ourselves. Promote peace and free trade, not nation building and trade sanctions that lead to war.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of good stuff in this book. Really cool to see Paul's consistency over the years. Ultimately, though, it was a really draining and depressing read because you see how nobody listened to his sensible, just, and upright arguments for so many years. One imagines that Paul was speaking into a vacuum, and the others in congress just shrugged off his warnings in the 90s of potential terrorist attacks on our soil. So much play acting that had to go on in Washington, attempting to act surprised when blowback hit our shores. What a sad commentary on the thickheadedness and stubborn pride of politicians. I agree with the content of this book, but am also really depressed by what it signifies: the lack of serious, honest, and principled thinkers in Washington.

[Sean · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is mostly transcripts of speeches he has given to Congress over this career, with a couple of related articles he's written. He has great ideas about liberty and improving foreign policy by eliminating funding for other countries and not getting involved in wars; sadly, he was never able to convince many people of this, and the book isn't likely to convince anyone either. It's a very repetitive read, not really entertaining.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly a great read if you're new to Dr. Paul's ideas on foreign policy. It really shows how seemingly prophetic he was on most of the issues stemming from the horrible U.S. foreign policy of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. The only negative is many of his speeches do start to sound the same, evidence of how consistent he was and is, so the book can get tedious at times.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compilation of Congressman Ron Paul's speeches while in Congress that demonstrates the disastrous blowback that America's poor foreign policy decisions has had over the course of the late 20th thru early 21st centuries.

[Skye Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately this went a bit over her head. We will revisit this at a later date.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"America's policy of foreign intervention, while still debated in the early 20th Century, is today accepted as conventional wisdom by both political parties. But what if the overall policy is a colossal mistake, a major error of judgement? Not just bad judgement regarding when and where to impose ourselves, but the entire premise that we have a moral right to meddle in the affairs of others?"

This book is a collection of speeches that Ron Paul delivered to Congress between 1976 and 2006. For 30 years Congressman Paul stood firmly by the principles outlined in the Constitution. It was fascinating to read about modern history through his lens. The book covers many events including death of Communist leader Mao Tse Tung, the bombing of the American embassy in Lebanon, the Kosovo War and a large portion of the book is dedicated to the debates in Washington following 9/11.

I had some difficulty getting through this book. Dr. Paul was so consistent with his message that parts became redundant. I would have given this five stars if the content were presented in a more succinct format. I'm really hoping that a zealous Ron Paul fan will take that project on. Until then, I still encourage others to read this book, especially Republicans.

Here are some key points. (From the last 150 pages that I took notes.)

1. The U.S. can be hypocritical. For example proposing a trade embargo against Syria for failure to secure their border while our border is obviously insecure.

3. We can't say we believe in national sovereignty and then do things like tell the Ukraine how to handle their elections.

4. Our involvement in the Middle East is strange. We were once allies with both Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Ladin. In 1967 we sent Iran a nuclear reactor and then in 1986 we sent Iraq biological weapons and Anthrax so they could fight against Iran.

5. History teaches us that sanctions and embargoes don't really influence governments, they do however hurt their poor people. (For example, 50 years of a trade embargo against Cuba has not produced our desired result.)

6. We can't afford this war.

7. We are better prepared to defend Seoul, Korea than our own border.

8. Over 100,000 Iraqi civilians have died since our invasion!

9. "We should remember that since World War II in 35 US attempts to promote democracy around the world none have succeeded."

10. The war in Iraq has everything to do with protecting "our oil".

Quotable quotes

"War, and the threat of war, are big government's best friend. Liberals support big government social programs, and conservatives support big government war policies, thus satisfying two major special interest groups. And when push comes to shove, the two groups cooperate and support big government across the board - always at the expense of personal liberty. Both sides pay lip service to freedom, but neither stands against the welfare/warfare state and its promises of unlimited entitlements and endless war."

"Does the mere existence of evil somewhere in the world justify preemptive war at the expense of the American people? Utopian dreams, fulfilled by autocratic means hardly qualify as being morally justifiable."

"As bad as it is to see Bush and his neoconservative cronies get away with needless killing and mayhem, the more disheartening and disgusting spectacle is the pro-war position of Christian leaders with their TV-financed empires. They cannot help but force all Christians to reassess their theological moorings and spiritual beliefs. Translating the bible to support aggression against a defenseless country should concern all thoughtful Christians."

"We've been told that we must fight to protect freedoms here at home. These reasons are given to make the sacrifices more tolerable and noble. Without an honorable cause, the suffering becomes intolerable. Hiding from the truth, though, in the end is no panacea for a war that promises no peace."

"Using force only builds resistance to the true principles of liberty that made America great. Using force contradicts the moral foundation of a free society."

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am still not all the way threw with it, but I like the way it makes me ponder more about American foreign policy. And about interventionism. It makes me want to read more books about Foreign policy and American History. Mostly American conflict History, because I really know little history. It's a deep book. Sometimes a difficult read. Only because I do not have some of the knowledge to understand. I can only read a few chapters at a time before I have to just let it soak in or investigate more. I can't wait to get more into the recent(my adult lifetime) events. And to read more of Dr. Paul's advice and point of views. He is a man of integrity. The things we hear him saying today are the same he has said since the 70's. He sticks to his beliefs and convictions. He is a man to learn from. You don't hear much about the constitution anymore these days except from Dr. Paul.

[Gregory Eakins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is primarily a compilation of Ron Paul's various speeches on the house floor over the past 30 years he has served. They are evidence of Paul's remarkable consistency and all promote a sound, logical foreign policy of non-intervention. He backs up everything with valuable historical or academic information that is so rare in politicians. It does get somewhat repetitive, especially if you've read or listened to Paul before, but that comes with the nature of house speeches. It's hard to believe that these speeches are having virtually no effect on the law makers of our country. The sheer amount of great information in this book along with its easy reading level (writing mean for oration is almost always easier to read) make it a highly recommended read, especially for someone unfamiliar with Paul, but interested in politics.

[Katieb (MundieMoms) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This was a far better book than I thought. It's very eye opening and if more people would get out of their heads that Dr Paul is "way out in left field" and read this book, they'd be voting for him! I was once one of those people. From reading this book, I've realized that Dr Paul and I agree with many things. There's nothing in his book that's not already proved to be of truth. Too bad Congress hasn't listened to him more carefully. I highly recommend this book, even to those who don't agree w/ Dr Paul. You'll find you agree with him more than think... especially on the issues of wars and why American's are so hated.

[Kaydence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is eerie in its prophecies and predictions. Ron Paul repeatedly warns against the U.S. providing arms and financial backing to governments around the world and is ignored. Now we see so many conflicts that have emerged from ignoring those warnings.

This is an eye-opener. I didn't realize so many corrupt things were going on in the Government in broad daylight. I mean, of course there is conspiracy or agenda pushing, but it's usually subtle. All you have to do is look at the congressional records to know that we've armed Lebonon, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Communist China, Poland... We've propped up governments, entangled alliances... everything we're not supposed to do.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and pretty exhausting read of Ron Paul's stances on the many issues of US foreign policy from the start of his membership in the House of Representatives to around 2006. This book mainly dealt with the expanding American Empire, and America's foreign policy in the Middle East. How intervening in other countries affairs did not strengthen America's National Security, and how doing this caused all sorts of problems for America from the Iranian Hostage Crisis and more enemies to Al Qaeda and its attacks on America. And America at one time or another did support Al Qaeda, Iraq and Iran... and look where that led us...

[Charles H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a collection of Ron Paul's speeches and journals. As perfectly as such things can translate into a book, they do. The ~300 pages are filled with passion, truth, and honesty. Yet this very property made it somewhat difficult to read. Time and time again Ron Paul would warn loudly of the dangers of U.S. foreign policy. Time and time again he was ignored by those in both dominant political parties--to much loss of life and prosperity. So I was both intensely inspired and angered. I suppose that's a testament to the words written inside.

[Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a US diplomat serving currently in Africa I have a different perspective than some on American Foreign Policy. I see America slipping away from the Constitutional Republic the founders started, and into a militaristic empire that they feared, one that will ultimately bankrupt us economically, politically and morally. Ron Paul, though too extreme in some ways for me, sees this, and offers a way out of this devolution. Just remember, we're all too extreme to someone. That's what representative democracy is supposed to temper.

[David Robins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this and seeing the sensible, non-interventionist foreign policy that Paul has espoused for 30 years makes one wonder what's wrong with the rest of Congress - I suppose one answer is greed and short-term thinking. I rate this high for content, but since it's primarily Paul's speeches, there is a lot of repetition (fortunately some salient paragraphs are bolded), since when given they were separated by weeks or months. But it's important that they were included to see his consistency; one can skip over some of the redundant material and still gain from the work.

[Dhatchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive collection of all the speeches Congressman Paul has give before the House relating to America's Faulty and unconstitutional foreign policies spanning his entire career as a Congressman since the early 1970's.
Full Title is a quote from one of our founding fathers and the words of advice to us regarding the United State's role in the world. "A Foreign Policy of Freedom: Peace, Commerce, and Honest Friendship"

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a colleciton of speeches Paul made on the House floor during his Terms in Congress. This takes Ron Pau's ideas from End the Fed and Revolution and applies them to real life scenarios. The same points are made redundantly throughout many areas; so it may be difficult to read cover to cover. Still they are very good points explained well and illustrated as best they can be; through proposed solutions to the world's real problems as discussed at the House of Representatives.

[Don Incognito · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a collection of Ron Paul's speeches in Congress (it does not include other speeches) during his congressional career. It's an excellent book for learning which recent U.S. government policies he has supported and opposed. However, it's no help in understanding Ron Paul's overall political philosophy or his motivation.

The book is poorly edited, with many typos and spelling errors, but still perfectly understandable.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the easiest book to read but the content is worthwhile. This book is mostly made up of speachs that Ron Paul gave on the house floor and other places. It proves one thing without a doubt and that is that Ron Paul is 100% consistent on foreign policy. His non-interventionist approach which he preaches today is exactly the same as the policy that he encouraged and fought for going all the way back to the 80's when he first served in Congress.

[Cormacjosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring book which clearly explains what is wrong with our present foreign policy, and how following the foreign policy of our founders worked in the past, and can work today.

Since discovering Dr. Paul, I have felt less frustrated with politics, because I know he has read and applies all of his viewpoints according to what Our Constitution allows.

I know now that I am not alone in feeling that this is how things should be done.

[vince beazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can follow our nation's pattern of committing to both sides of a conflict, going back 110 years, after reading Dr. Paul's book...

We have lost perspective as a nation; there are no checks on our spending or our foreign interests. Anyone can buy influence with this federal machine; we see no one standing up to oppose this abuse of power, with one exception...Dr. Ron Paul.

[Laura Aka LoLo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Paul is hekka smart the only guy who makes any sense of our bad foreign policy. He has solutions to the many problems we are currently facing with our economy, health care, immigration etc etc. If everyone read this book we would be well informed on the things that need changing here in the US. He is truly a great patriot in my lifetime!

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent collection of Ron Paul's speeches while in Congress in regard to foreign policy. It is amazing that he has so much consistency in his message over 20 years in and out of Congress. Number 1 rule he quotes over and over from Thomas Jefferson: No entangling alliances, trade with all. Read this and you'll have a new understanding of Iraq and the Middle East.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peace, commerce , and honest friendship with all nations-Entangling alliances with none.-Thomas Jefferson, First inaugural address, 1801.
Ron Paul speaks to us -The American people_in the House of Representatives. What more can I say? It is respect for the Constitution at its best, and honest smart, strong thinking.

[Kharismatic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ron Paul wrote a book with a collection of statements he had made over the past 30 years dealing with foreign policy from the date he was first elected to Congress in 1976. His speeches, articles and journal entries are a great history lesson about foreign policies and economics. Dr. Paul speaks simply and with great wisdom since he's been saying the same thing since 1976.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it would be Ron Paul's ideas on Foreign Policy and written as such to make a solid argument for non-intervention but it ended up being a compilation of his speeches from the house floor. Still a really good read as he does give that argument in his speeches but not exactly what I expected.