Greatness Beyond Borders: The Global Impact of Nations and Leaders

By Fidel Amakye Owusu

Can one truly be great on their own, for their own sake? History suggests that the answer is no.

The 2010 Haiti Earthquake: A Global Response

In 2010, Haiti experienced one of the most devastating earthquakes in its history, sparking the worst humanitarian crisis the Western Hemisphere had seen in decades. Within days, the world rallied to provide aid.

Ten days later, Ghana, a middle-income country, announced it had donated US$3 million to support the Haitian people and government in their recovery efforts.

The Debate: Aid or Local Goods?

The decision was widely praised, given the overwhelming scale of destruction and loss of life. However, some critics questioned the move.

They argued that Ghana could have sent locally produced goods instead, asserting that such assistance would have been more practical and effective. In this situation, was it wiser to take more time to plan the specifics of the aid, or was it more prudent to send what was readily available – the US$3 million?

The debate raged on, but one thing remained clear: a generous act is still a generous act.

What Does This Tell Us About Greatness?

So, what does this tell us about greatness?

Historical Examples of Greatness

When the term “great” is invoked throughout history, it typically refers to individuals, empires, or events that extend their influence beyond their immediate borders and impact the wider world.

Consider Philip II of Macedonia – no ordinary monarch in ancient Europe. Yet, it was his son, Alexander the Great, who truly earned the title.

Alexander’s conquests extended well beyond Macedonia and Greece, ushering in the Hellenistic era and forever altering the course of history. We could also examine Peter the Great of Russia or Frederick the Great of Prussia, but a common thread unites them: their legacies were defined by their ability to influence the world beyond their own domains.

America’s Rise to Global Prominence

Similarly, the United States, with its vast resources and people, was poised for greatness by the late 19th century. Following World War I, America initially sought to isolate itself, but this stance proved unsustainable.

The nation’s true ascent to global prominence occurred when it actively engaged in the post-WWII world order. It emerged victorious in the Cold War, one of the greatest challenges to its supremacy, and solidified its position as the world’s most powerful military force, with unmatched global reach.

In the wake of WWII, America’s generosity and leadership helped establish it as a global force to be reckoned with.

The United States’ Global Role: Challenges and Debates

Countries that shared values with the United States looked to it for guidance and leadership. The saying, “To whom much is given, much is expected,” held true, and the U.S. felt a responsibility to support its allies and invest in weaker nations when necessary.

However, as the decades passed, debates arose regarding America’s role on the world stage. Was it overextending itself?

Could imperial overstretch lead to its eventual decline? This concern gave rise to a political movement seeking to pull back America’s influence.

Ironically, this disruptive and impulsive approach may, in the long run, threaten the very greatness it aims to protect.

China’s Growing Global Influence

In 2023, China made its mark by docking three naval vessels in Nigeria as part of a military “visit.” If you’re considering China as a case study of a nation uninterested in international engagement, keep in mind that time will reveal the full story.

The Future of Greatness: Isolation vs. Engagement

Greatness, it seems, is not achieved in isolation. It is built by extending influence, offering support, and engaging with the world.

The question remains: will nations continue to rise by reaching beyond their borders, or will they retreat into themselves and risk losing the very greatness they once sought?

Fidel Amakye Owusu is an International Relations and Security Analyst. He is an Associate at the Conflict Research Consortium for Africa and has previously hosted an International Affairs program with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). He is passionate about Diplomacy and realizing Africa’s global potential and how the continent should be viewed as part of the global collective.