American Umpire is an insightful and thought-provoking documentary directed by James Shelley that presents a critical analysis of the role played by the United States as a global umpire or referee in international affairs. The film features a diverse range of perspectives from policymakers, intellectuals, and historians, including presidential advisers, secretaries of state, and other renowned scholars.
The opening sequence sets the tone for the thought-provoking discourse that the film offers, as it features several iconic shots of America's pastime, baseball, and its home plate. The premise of this analogy is that the United States, like an umpire in a baseball game, has the power and responsibility to make impartial decisions, enforce the rules, and arbitrate disputes among nations. Thus, the title American Umpire suggests that the United States assumes a role of moral leadership in the world for which it is uniquely qualified.
The documentary traces the history of America's rise to superpower status, from its isolationist roots in the early 20th century to its active involvement in international conflicts, such as the World Wars and the Cold War. Along the way, the film examines America's most significant foreign policy challenges and moments of crisis, including Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and shows how the nation's role as an umpire has evolved over time.
Through a series of interviews, the film presents a balanced and nuanced view of American foreign policy. The interviews encompass a wide range of perspectives, including those who support America's role as a global umpire and those who oppose it. The filmmakers ask the tough questions and challenge the conventional wisdom with incisive insights and commentary.
Interviewees include scholars like Elizabeth Cobbs, who explore the moral and ethical questions inherent in America's conduct as a global umpire. Cobbs raises important questions about how the United States can reconcile its role as a protector of human rights and democracy with its historical support of authoritarian regimes around the world. Political leaders like Madeleine Albright, the United States' first female Secretary of State, provide invaluable insights into the challenges of diplomacy and the difficulties of balancing competing interests in a complex and ever-changing global landscape.
The film also features the perspective of European scholars like Nicole Bacharan, who offer a different perspective on America's role as a global umpire. Bacharan notes that the United States' relationship with Europe has shifted over time, with the US once being seen as a protector of Europe and now viewed with more suspicion and skepticism. She argues that America's role as an umpire must evolve to reflect these changing dynamics and ensure that the decision-making process is perceived as fair and impartial.
One of the documentary's strengths is its ability to contextualize current foreign policy debates through historical analysis. The film examines America's role in the world through the lens of its past experiences, highlighting the lessons learned from both successes and failures. For example, the documentary explores the decisions made during the Iraq War and compares them to past interventions, such as the Vietnam War. By providing historical context, the film invites viewers to consider the long-term ramifications of America's role as a global umpire and challenges them to think critically about whether this role is sustainable and beneficial.
The documentary also highlights some of the unintended consequences of America's role as a global umpire. For instance, it explores how the perception of America as an enforcer of global norms has led to a backlash among some nations and heightened tensions between the US and its geopolitical rivals. The film suggests that America's role as an umpire may have reached a critical juncture, and that a new paradigm may be necessary to address the changing global landscape.
In conclusion, American Umpire is an engrossing and informative documentary that provides engaging insights into America's role as a global umpire. It offers a balanced and nuanced view of the issues, presenting a diverse range of perspectives and insights from scholars and policymakers. The film's historical analysis, incisive commentary, and thought-provoking questions make it a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in American foreign policy and the role of the United States in the world today.
