For the past 30 years, a misguided notion of how to engage with the world has brought us into two major wars and dozens of other military engagements in other countries.

Presidents, Congress, military leaders, and foreign policy “experts” have all perpetuated the idea that for the U.S. to be strong and safe, it needs to use its military resources around the globe ignoring other possible options to solving problems.

But the costs of the post-9/11 wars — more than $6 trillion spent, 7,000 American servicemembers killed, and tens of thousands more wounded — tell us this approach isn’t working.

We need a better approach rooted in a more realistic view of the world — an approach committed to a restrained use of America’s military power.

The world can be a dangerous place. The men and women of our military know that better than anyone as they’ve fought to keep us safe here at home.

But this doesn’t mean it is in the country’s best interest to send troops around the world to try to solve every conflict. America can’t be everywhere to everyone.

A restrained foreign policy doesn’t mean America ignores threats around the globe — when protecting and securing vital national interests, the U.S. should be ready to use military force, but only as a last resort.

The use of force is just one tool in the toolbox.

What does rethinking foreign policy look like in practice?

• Withdrawing from endless wars to focus on the most tangible threats.

  • We should bring our troops home from the “forever wars” that put servicemembers in dangerous situations due to counter-productive missions that don’t advance core U.S. interests.

• Reestablishing Congress’ role in decisions about war and peace.
  

  • The Constitution puts Congress in charge of authorizing military operations that put our troops in harm’s way. Congress must honor its vital role in matters of war and peace, rather than defer to whomever occupies the White House.

• Repealing old war authorizations and reforming war powers legislation.

  • Outdated Authorizations for Use of Military Force are used to justify operations far outside what was intended when they were passed by Congress. This turns them into blank checks for officials to engage in military action whenever they choose. Congress needs to repeal these old AUMFs and reform war powers to ensure proper votes on military action take place.

Realism and restraint are the keys to a foreign policy that truly keeps America safe and prosperous. Tell Washington it’s time to Rethink Foreign Policy.