Wilsonian Humanitairianism

Democratically elected government, regulated capitalism, collective security and American leadership are the four principles at the core of Wilsonianism. Wilson was convinced that political systems based on freedom and equality are inherently more peaceful than authoritarian models. In a democracy, opposing factions attempt to resolve differences through compromise and consensus. By contrast,  authoritarian regimes enforce policies unilaterally, often through coercion and violence. In his address to the U.S. Congress on April 2, 1917, Wilson declared: “Only free peoples can hold their purpose and their honor steady to a common end, and prefer the interests of mankind to any narrow interest of their own.” 

This notion of collective interest underpins the second principle of Wilsonian humanitarianism. Wilson believed that capitalism, when tightly controlled, had the potential to cultivate economic integration and cooperation between nations. By promoting shared prosperity, free trade offered a crucial protection against global conflict. 

The establishment of a lasting peace also depended on the strength of international institutions. In the last of his Fourteen Points, Wilson called for the establishment of a “general association of nations” to safeguard “mutual guarantees of political independence and territorial integrity to great and small states alike.” Wilson further believed that U.S. involvement in such an association was necessary to insure that member states would uphold democratic principles. Wilson’s proposal led to the formation of the League of Nations in 1920.

Wilsonianism helped drive Europe’s recovery following World War II, bolstering democratic institutions while promoting economic interdependence. This spirit of cooperation laid the foundation for the European Union and later influenced the reshaping of Eastern Europe following the collapse of the Soviet Bloc. In other parts of the world, Wilsonian humanitarian efforts have helped strengthen free societies and modernize economies. 

Wilsonian humanitarianism has sparked criticism over the years. Some opponents have argued that the philosophy provides an ideological shield for American military aggression overseas, supports  a neoliberal capitalist agenda and undermines local sovereignty while thwarting economic justice. 

Despite its shortcomings, Wilsonian humanitarianism remains committed to its original ideals: supporting representative democracies throughout the world, it empowers governments to align foreign aid programs with the desires and needs of the people. In this respect, Wilsonian humanitarianism continues to offer a blueprint for peace and social justice in the era of globalization. 

Contributors: Maha Tazi, Stephen Meyer