random thoughts

External involvement:
If we get involved in the internal affairs of other nations, we stand a decent chance of regretting it. At the least, we'll lose face; at the worst, blood and money. No one seems to appreciate that kind of thing since the Marshall Plan. No one likes the global policeman. Though the willingness to get involved, either economically or militarily, carriew substantial weight -- the willingness to use a method of force means that sometimes you don't actually have to use it.

But if we don't get involved, nasty regimes sprout up headed by people who at the least oppress their own people and destroy their own country before decamping to someplace with easy access to Swiss or Caribbean bank accounts. Sometimes, people blame us for that, too. And sometimes these nasty regimes send their problems here. Plus, other countries feel that they can push you around, which is not a pleasant experience.

Currency value:
If the dollar is highly valued as a currency of exchange (aka 'strong dollar'), then our exports cost more in other countries, so the amount sold goes down, so our negative balance of trade stays negative.

But if the dollar is less valued as a currency of exchange (aka 'weak dollar'), then other countries want to be paid in other currencies than ours, which is seen as a humiliating thing for our country, and to some implies a drop in productive and competitive ability.

Workload:
We move manufacturing overseas to reduce production costs. That eviscerates out productive ability here, and drops the standard of living of our people, but increases (or at least maintains) corporate profits. Corporations will do whats best for them in lieu of compelling reasons to do otherwise.

But if we keep it here, we lose in competition to countries that are willing to pay their people less and work them harder, thus reducing corporate profits while maintaining, at leasts for a while, the local standard of living.