State of Affairs

The world is plagued by the shadows of authoritarianism and war, but recent cooperation in the US Congress offers a rare glimmer of unity and resolve for the American people.

After months of political deadlock and increasing global instability, the passage of a substantial $61 billion aid package to Ukraine stands as a testament to America's unwavering commitment to democratic ideals and international leadership.

The importance of this legislative victory cannot be overstated.

As Russian aggression intensifies, threatening not only the sovereignty of Ukraine but also the stability of the broader European region, the U.S. has once again stepped onto the global stage as a defender of Freedom. This aid package, which includes critical military supplies and defensive equipment, is not merely a lifeline to a beleaguered ally; it is a bold statement against the resurgence of imperial ambitions.

The bipartisan support for this measure, facilitated thanks to Speaker Mike Johnson’s pivot from reluctance to endorsement of Ukraine aid, reflects a significant, albeit challenging, shift towards consensus in a Congress marred by division and failures. This legislative success is a reminder that American politics can still function at a moment when unity is most needed. Despite the specter of political risk, with Speaker Johnson facing opposition within his own party and potential ousting, his leadership underscores a fundamental truth: doing what is right must prevail over partisan interests.

This aid package is a critical component of a broader foreign policy strategy that reaffirms the United States’ role on the world stage. President Biden's administration, which has consistently championed the cause of Ukraine, recognizes the broader implications of the conflict. It is not just about the territory; it’s about upholding the Rules-Based International Order that has governed global relations since the end of World War II.

The world is indeed watching. Autocrats across the globe, from Putin in Russia to Xi in China, observe our actions for signs of weakness or resolve. This moment of bipartisan cooperation sends a clear message: the United States will stand by its allies and principles. We must not forget, however, that our commitment must be steadfast and ongoing. The battle for Ukraine is not just about military fronts; it's about the ideological struggle between authoritarianism and Freedom.

This aid passage is also a victory for President Biden, reinforcing his narrative of the Ukraine conflict as a 'world-defining' battle for democracy. It aligns with the administration's efforts to rally international support against Russian aggression, ensuring that Ukraine remains capable of defending its sovereignty and democratic integrity.

This moment of unity is worth celebrating, but we need to be mindful of the challenges and danger that lie ahead.

The political landscape remains fraught with divisions, and the path forward is not guaranteed. Speaker Johnson's tenure may be in jeopardy as hardliners from within his own party, who ousted the last Republican speaker, threaten to remove him because of his support for Freedom. It is crucial that both parties continue to find common ground on issues that matter to the American people and the global community, playing games with government will only hurt the U.S.

Outside of the domestic arena, the geopolitical dynamics between China and Iran have recently intensified, signaling deeper collaborations that threaten the Free people in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Both China and Iran have been actively fortifying their military and economic alliances, driven by a shared interest in countering U.S. influence. China's involvement in helping Iran skirt U.S. sanctions by purchasing Iranian oil has been a lifeline for Tehran's economy, while Iran has reciprocated with commitments to supply China with critical energy resources. This partnership has been further cemented by high-level diplomatic exchanges and agreements that expand their cooperation in defense and security sectors. The relationship is underpinned by China's longterm strategic ambitions in the region, highlighted by the inclusion of Iran in its Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to expand China's economic and strategic influence across Asia and beyond, like in the Philippines and Taiwan. The U.S. and our allies like Australia, Japan, and South Korea are closely monitoring this alliance, aware that the China-Iran axis could challenge the current geopolitical order, particularly in the Middle East and surrounding critical maritime shipping routes.

By passing the Ukraine aid package, congress did more accomplish a legislative feat; they reaffirmed American values and lit a beacon of hope for nations striving to maintain their Freedom against the rising tide of authoritarianism that threatens all Free people. Let this moment be a turning point, one that inspires continued support for Ukraine and a renewed commitment to the principles that define us as a nation: Freedom, Liberty.

'A republic, if you can keep it,' Benjamin Franklin once remarked. Today, we add: a world order, if we can preserve it.