Nancy Brinker United States Ambassador


When America Retreats, Instability Fills Void


T


wo decades ago, i had the honor of serving as U.S. ambassador to Hungary in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks.


At that critical moment, as our


nation mourned and reassessed its place in the world, I witnessed first- hand how America’s presence, val- ues, and leadership were not only respected but deeply needed. The lessons from that experience


remain strikingly relevant today. Throughout my tenure, I was constantly reminded that American exceptionalism is not just a notion — it is a responsibility. Our commit- ment to democracy, human rights, and free enterprise has long served as a beacon of hope for nations seeking to build prosperous, free societies. Hungary, a country that emerged


from the grip of Soviet oppression, understood this well. Its people aspired to the ideals that America champions: the rule of law, account- able governance, and economic opportunity. It was clear to me then, as it is now,


that America’s example matters, and our leadership is indispensable. Hungary in the early 2000s was


a young democracy, still grappling with the legacies of totalitarian rule. The fall of communism had ushered in political and economic freedoms, but these freedoms were fragile. As an ambassador, I saw how American institutions — our demo- cratic governance, our independent judiciary, our vibrant civil society — served as models for Hungary’s evolving institutions. In the days following 9/11, I was


struck by the outpouring of soli- darity from the Hungarian people.


28 NEWSMAX | APRIL 2025


They understood, perhaps better than many, what it meant to stand against tyranny. The tragedy of that day crystallized why America’s lead- ership in the world matters. It is not about dominance; it is


about defending and nurturing the very principles that allow societies to flourish.


It means understanding that our engagement abroad is not a burden, but an investment in global stability that ensures American security at home.


America’s assistance in Hungary,


whether through diplomatic engage- ment, economic investment, or sup- port for civil society, was not an act of charity. It was a recognition that stable, prosperous democracies make the world safer for all of us. We provided not just aid, but inspi-


ration. That is the essence of Amer- ican exceptionalism: our ability to lead by example, to extend the prom- ise of freedom beyond our borders. In the years since my ambassa-


dorship, the global landscape has changed dramatically. New pow- ers have risen, and old threats have evolved. Some question whether America should continue to play a leading role on the world stage. I argue that our role is more criti-


cal than ever. When America retreats, instabil-


ity fills the void. We have seen this time and again — in regions where authoritarianism has resurged, in conflicts where American diploma- cy could have deterred violence, and in alliances that waver when our commitment appears uncertain. The post-9/11 world taught us


that disengagement comes at a cost, not just to America but to the global order we have helped shape. As we look ahead, we must recommit ourselves to the principles that have made us exceptional. That means investing in our alliances, supporting democracies in need, and defending human rights wher- ever they are under threat. It means understanding that our engagement abroad is not a burden, but an investment in global stabil- ity that ensures American security at home.


Hungary’s journey from oppres-


sion to democracy was, in part, guided by America’s hand. Today, as we face new challenges — from rising authoritarianism to global health crises — our role remains just as vital. We must continue to lead not just


with power, but with principle. We must embrace our exceptionalism not as a privilege, but as a profound responsibility. America has always been a force


for good in the world. Let us ensure that remains true for generations to come.


Nancy G. Brinker is the founder of Susan G. Komen, the Promise Fund of Florida, and host of Conversations with Nancy Brinker on Newsmax TV.


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