We've learned that protectionism and isolationism always hurts us in the long run.

CNN: Diane Swonk: Consumer confidence

Isolationism broadly speaking is the notion that the US is better off withdrawing to fortress America and leaving the rest of the world's nations to fight it out among themselves.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The Jacksonian Foreign Policy Option

As Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad proclaims that the countdown to the next Holocaust has begun while actively waging war against the US and its allies on all available fronts, the catastrophe that will follow an American relapse into isolationism and appeasement is undeniable.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Echoes of 1919

The US did not enter WWII to save our bacon, it entered because Japan attacked Pearl Harbour, followed shortly after by Japan's ally Nazi Germany declaring war on the US. Until then the US had been absolutely determined that you where not going to get involved, but where going to stick to your isolationism.

BBC: Troops from the 1st Battalion The Black Watch