Opinion: As global crises unfold, diplomacy is more important than ever

In today’s world, it’s hard to imagine what life was like before the globe became so interconnected. Yet whether we like it or not, when something happens on a distant shore it can directly affect us here at home in Michigan. We are all global citizens, and everything we do affects one another. From China's expanding influence, to the next deadly pandemic, to the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, the ripples from across the world continue to affect us here in America.

As a food merchant who knows the toll that inflation and the global food crisis have taken on our communities and as a Member of Congress who has represented Detroit and the metro area in our nation’s capital, we know firsthand how there is even greater urgency for America to step up on global stage to demonstrate our values and protect the interests of American families.

At a time when global threats and crises feel like they are only getting more complex, we believe strengthening American investments in diplomacy and global development is critical for Michigan. This means it is time to redouble the bipartisan commitment to bolster America’s civilian tools of global engagement — from the State Department to USAID to the Peace Corps — to rally our allies and stop threats before they reach our shores. Doing so will help all Michiganders live more secure, prosperous and healthier lives.

In 2021, our state exported $55.5 billion in goods to overseas markets, a 25% increase compared to 2020 as America and the world recovered from the global pandemic. Thanks to this significant increase in global trade from Michigan, our manufacturing and exports were able to support more than 1 million jobs, nearly 20% of all jobs in Michigan.

We have seen in the recovery from COVID-19 how central our state can be, with companies like Pfizer producing the life-saving vaccine — with 1 billion doses produced in Michigan alone. The plant in Kalamazoo has always played a role in supporting our health here in America and global health and development around the world, sending medicines, medical devices, and supplies to some 120 countries. The 3,000 Michiganders employed at Pfizer’s Kalamazoo plant are helping save millions of lives every year.

When it comes to global leadership and increasing America’s competitiveness, Michigan is helping to lead the way economically as well. As a top exporter of cars, trucks and automobile parts, Michigan put the world on wheels. And as the world transitions to more and more electric vehicles, Michigan is poised to be a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing both in the United States and globally.

Yet for Michigan to be successful — from exporting EV batteries to global health — our state can’t do it alone. It will take new investments from Congress in American diplomacy and global development to strengthen our nation’s competitive edge, promote stability, advance rights and freedoms globally, and help ensure a fair playing field — especially in some of the fastest growing markets in the developing world.While our traditional export markets of Canada, Mexico and Europe will certainly continue to be important, it is also critical that America steps up its engagement in Africa and Asia and across Latin America — especially when more than half of U.S. exports are now headed to developing economies. One only has to look to China to see how its investments in development assistance — boosting its own economic connectivity around the world — has increased by more than 270% over the last decade of available data.

This is why we Americans must strengthen our influence abroad. When we do so we not only demonstrate our American values, we also foster new business relationships with allies and help create new economic opportunities and jobs here in Michigan. More jobs for Michiganders means more prosperity for our communities and a better future for our children.

The future of Michigan’s economic vitality also depends on the longstanding truth that “politics stops at the water’s edge.” It means building upon the bipartisan support for America’s leadership in diplomacy, development, and democracy abroad.  Michigan knows how to lead there as well, with the important legacy of the late Senator Arthur Vandenberg.

Once considered an isolationist, Vandenberg was a dramatic convert to the importance of American leadership in the world following the horrors of World War II.  He became one of the most outspoken champions of the Marshall Plan and the importance of American leadership around the world to protect our interests.  And when authoritarianism is on the march around the globe, leading with our interests means investing in "peace with justice and the defense of human rights and fundamental freedoms" that the Vandenberg Resolution established as a vital to our common interests.

Both of us have dedicated our lives to strengthening Michigan communities, and we have seen the benefit that America’s role in the world can have here at home. Strong American leadership through diplomacy and global development — alongside our allies — helps Michigan communities prosper.

That’s why we urge the entire Michigan Congressional delegation to support a fully funded U.S. International Affairs Budget to advance America’s interests and values on the global stage — and secure the partnerships with our allies that bring prosperity to Michigan.

Hank Meijer is the Executive Chairman of Meijer Inc. Representative Brenda Lawrence is the outgoing U.S. Representative of Michigan’s 14th Congressional District. Both are Co-Chairs of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Michigan Advisory Council.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Opinion: As global crises unfold, diplomacy more important than ever