15 of 50

No

Write now Article Tools

The United States is not a 'leader' in world politics.

The USA assumed a position as "leader of the free world," according to its own propaganda, just after World War II in 1945 and it did that for about 5 years. However, since 1950 although it has been the richest country in the world is has never lead the world it has simply tried to dominate.

The United States' post-World War II paranoia of Communism destroyed any chance it had of being the "leader of the free world" because that paranoia led first to a disastrous cold war,' the results of which are still with us today, 60 years later. Secondly the paranoia led to the Vietnam War defeat in 1975. A defeated nation, with serious disruption among the population, can hardly be a "leader of the free world" although Nixon tried hard to remedy matters in the early 70's.

There was the ill-conceived Bay of Pigs' adventure in 1961, the support for Iran in the war with Iraq in 1980, the crushing of Grenada in 1983, interventions in Haiti, the invasion of Panama in 1989, and Bush's Crusade against the Muslim World starting in 2003 and continuing today. None of these adventures "lead the free world" in any sense. They have all been attempts at domination.

I omit the Korean War of 1950 and the First Gulf War in 1990 because they were actually conducted in a cooperative way with other countries against invaders. The United States was fairly innocent in both.

However, the United States had interfered in many things that were none of our business: the Yugoslav breakup and the present Kosovo attempt at independence for example. They are no concern of the USA, nor is the Indian nuclear program (though fortunately the USA will loose that attempt at domination.)

Now, our nominal black Secretary of State, who is no Kissinger, tours the world threatening sovereign states and their energy programs as if they were real threats to peace. Back home the United States has the biggest arsenal of offensive weapons, including nuclear weapons, of any country. That's not power, that is bullying. It is attempting to "lead the free world" through threats and intimidation.

Trying to dominate the world is not leading it.

Furthermore, although the United States is still rich in comparison to many countries it has a poorer standard of living than many. During the recent Bush administration's eight years, the financial policies have been so bad that the country's fiscal position simply aggravates the political image.

The leader of the free world will, very shortly, be China. China has made fantastic inroads into the global infrastructure and exhibits great national statesmanship in times of crisis. It has shown great tolerance against the provocations of the United States and its puppet, the Dalai Lama.

The United States could learn a lesson or two from them, but I fear it is too late.

Learn more about this author, John Graham.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Should the US continue to be the leader in world politics??
We want to hear your view. Write now!