Principle One: Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is a central attribute of being a global good neighbor, and the basis for building constructive international relations that serve both national interests and the common good.
Principle Two: New Foreign and Domestic Policies
A new values-based foreign policy must work in tandem with domestic policies developed in the interests of the majority to improve security, quality of life, and basic rights in our own country.
Principle Three: Reciprocity and Cooperation
The national interests, security, and social and environmental well-being of all people are interconnected. Therefore, U.S. foreign policy must be based on reciprocity rather than domination, mutual well-being rather than economic exploitation, and cooperation rather than confrontation.
Principle Four: Responsible Leadership
The United States is best served by exercising responsible global leadership and being a responsible global partner. Our nation should seek to earn good will by instituting domestic and foreign policies that win broad public support at home and provide a model for other nations.
Principle Five: Balanced Security
Nonmilitary measures and international cooperation are the best guarantors of security. The United States must maintain the military capacity to defend against attacks on its national territory, but defense policies that encourage verifiable and universal disarmament provide the best assurance for our national security and world peace.
Principle Six: Sustainable Development
The U.S. government should support equitable and sustainable development, at home and abroad, through its macroeconomic, trade, investment, and foreign assistance policies.
Principle Seven: Effective Governance
A peaceful and prosperous global neighborhood depends on effective governance at the national, regional, and international levels. Governments are most effective when they encourage citizen participation, respect political and economic rights, and are democratic, transparent, and accountable.
Inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt's vision of international relations guided by "mutual respect" and cooperation, the IRC’s Global Good Neighbor Initiative is reclaiming this legacy by promoting dialogue and action aimed at forging a new animating vision for foreign policy in our time:
A Global Good Neighbor Ethic for International Relations
http://ggn.irc-online.org/
For media inquiries, email media@irc-online.org or call (505) 388-0208.
