We are actively engaged in the world because it is profoundly in our interests to be so engaged. There is no country that enjoys more rewards from the stability provided by global institutions. There is no country that sees greater returns from the prosperity enabled by a free and open world economy. There is no country that reaps more security from our strategic alliances. Indeed, if we value the benefits of this global system, if we appreciate all that American leadership brings, then we must embrace the duties of that leadership.
Responsibility comes in many forms.
It comes in the form of active partnerships with our friends and allies. It means carriers on station across the globe. It means standing firm against adversaries such as North Korea or Iraq. It means addressing the first sparks of conflict or instability before they ignite into full scale war. And, of course, responsibility means being prepared to protect those values and interests with force, if necessary.