The Care Bears are Unapologetic Interventionists
On the cutest, kindest war hawks in the land.
The robust foreign policy of Care-a-Lot, a small nation of Care Bears who live in the uppermost fluffy clouds, has been understudied. The fictional state’s domestic affairs are seemingly defined by rainbows, stars, and heart-shapes, but since its founding in 1981, Care-a-Lot has conducted a prolific number of “Missions in Caring” throughout the Kingdom of Kind—many of which often rely on aggressive tactics.
Care Bears, a multi-colored species of fictional bears with tummy symbols that represent their unique power, practice the kind of strategic restraint espoused in the late Henry Kissinger’s Diplomacy: Care Bears believe that their nation’s stability depends on preserving an equilibrium of power. The bears do not, however, have a president. Functionally it’s Tenderheart Bear—one who might be described as the most caring of bears—though the bears eschew such formal titles.
At the same time, Care Bears—as well as Care Bear Cousins—can be accurately described as hawkish, and have a short but consistent history of strategic overreach. Practical considerations, such as available means or attainable ends, are rarely considered. Care Bears are unapologetic interventionists, committed to peace and kindness above all else.
Many of the “Missions in Caring” are in response to strongmen like Lord No Heart, who target allies throughout the region. In the case of Silver Linings, a sovereign nation whose borders were rendered violable by foreign incursion, Care-a-Lot did far more than send supplies or intelligence. Care Bears valiantly fought with their tummy power on the front lines to ensure peace and prosperity at home—and opened the hearts and minds of even more people.
Care-a-Lot exhibits a deep understanding of the interplay among big powers and an unwavering loyalty to the Kingdom of Kind’s best interests. It is as cute as it is shrewd, and should be studied, like Kissinger or even Machiavelli, for its wisdom. In contrast to America, where such idealistic statecraft would be deeply unpopular, Care-a-Lot’s commitment to international law appears popular at home and in most foreign nations.
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