BY JOHN BADER, OPINION CONTRIBUTOR \u2014\u00a011\/11\/21 THE HILL<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seventy-five years ago, President Truman signed legislation, proposed by Sen. J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, to create an international exchange program that has grown to be the world\u2019s most respected. The Fulbright Program<\/a> is a centerpiece of American public diplomacy, connecting ordinary people to the extraordinary missions of cooperation and peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFulbrighters\u201d prove that across borders partnerships can be built to solve problems. We learn to respect each other to lessen conflict. We see our common humanity while savoring cultural differences. We teach each other lasting skills. We do not rely on politicians because we all have the power to make the world a better place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Fulbright mission may seem na\u00efve given the realpolitik of international relations. But if that were true, why would nearly 50 other countries collectively contribute a quarter of the program\u2019s budget? Why would China create a program patterned after Fulbright, if it did not advance their strategic goal of building a friendly network of alumni? Exchanges are pragmatic, not idealistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n