President Barack Obama said Thursday, looking toward future challenges, that the country needs "smart, steady and principled" leadership, and he warned about the danger of isolationism and "celebrating war."
"We cannot shirk the mantle of leadership ... (W)e cannot turn inward. We cannot give in to isolationism," Obama said at the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony in Colorado Springs.
Although he never mentioned presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump by name, Obama made several veiled criticisms of the foreign policy and defense proposals put forth by the real estate magnate.
"We have more alliances with other countries than anybody else - and they're the foundation of global stability and prosperity," and the world "looks" to the United States to "set the agenda," and when there are problems to be dealt with, the world looks to Washington, not to Russia or China.
He also noted that he has not hesitated to "use force" during his presidency when he has thought it necessary, but he warned against "celebrating war" or rushing to get involved in countries where there is conflict.
"War, no matter how noble our intentions may be, promises agony and tragedy. And no one knows this more than those who fight those wars," the president said.
Obama said that the decisions a president makes as commander in chief must be "guided by intelligence, and not ideology."
"As we navigate this complex world, America cannot shirk the mantle of leadership. We can't be isolationist. It's not possible in this globalized, interconnected world," he emphasized.
But the United States must exercise this leadership "not by dictating to other nations, but by working with them as partners; by treating other countries and their peoples with respect, not by lecturing them," he said.
During his speech at the air academy, in a relaxed tone, he said he was "really going to miss Air Force One," above all because it always runs "on time" and "you never lose my luggage."
Obama's speech before the assembled Air Force graduates on Thursday was his last scheduled graduation speech as president