In December 2014, only 9 percent of Americans cited foreign policy as the country’s most important issue. A year later, that number had jumped to 32 percent, with 18 percent citing terrorism concerns. There appears to be a consensus among presidential candidates that a military component will be required to counter violent extremism, at least in the short term. But what’s equally vital, and much less often discussed, is a long-term strategy that utilizes all the tools of American leadership – including strategic investments in development and diplomacy.

In the midst of impassioned presidential debates on national security following the terror attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, a recent report by the American Enterprise Institute makes a powerful case for why America should not scale back its global leadership, but instead must leverage its influence to support the liberal world order it has helped establish. Spearheaded by former U.S. Senators Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) and Jon Kyl (R-MO), the report argues that if the U.S. were to retreat from its global leadership, it would leave a vacuum of power that almost certainly would be filled by actors that are hostile to America’s values and national interests.

As we celebrate 239 years of freedom in the United States on this July 4th, we honor the millions of Americans who defend the cause of freedom here at home and around the world. It seemed a fitting opportunity to post the first of many upcoming conversations with members of USGLC’s Veterans for Smart Power. Nearly 30,000 strong, these former servicemembers understand firsthand why we need a strong, balanced foreign policy to keep America safe and secure, and share a commitment to elevating and strengthening civilian tools of development and diplomacy, alongside defense. Captain Jim Morin is one of them.

Secretary of State George Marshall called on Congress to pass what would become known as the Marshall Plan, the economic recovery plan to rebuild Europe following World War II. Many of the beneficiaries have since become some of America’s strongest allies and trading partners; models for how foreign assistance can transform countries and unlock their potential. Since that time seven decades ago, the military has continued to be one of the strongest voices of support for America’s development and diplomacy programs.

At a refugee camp in Syria, 25,000 people live in 3,600 shipping containers that have been converted into temporary homes. This week marks the start of the fifth year of conflict in Syria with more than 200,000 Syrians killed, nearly 8 million displaced inside Syria, and another 4 million, half of whom are children, having fled in neighboring countries. The United States is the single largest donor, having provided over $3 billion in assistance, but with little appetite for significant boots on the ground, American diplomacy and development will remain critical to the amelioration and resolution of the crisis.