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Shekicromaster -> RE: The other side of the world (11/1/2008 7:21:14 PM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: corysub
Thank you so much for the even handed post. We don't see too much of that from people across the pond. I would remind those over there who joke about America only aware of her existence. It's true, and necessary, that every country do things in their national interest...and why I think the failed United Nations should be abandoned.
However, America has been a country with the biggest heart on the planet when it comes to aiding friends around the globe with blood and treasure. The younger Europeans don't seem to remember the Marshall Plan that rebuilt Europe after the devastation of WW2, the strength of U.S. military presence when thousands of Russian tanks and their satellite countries were threatening freedom once again...and today, still giving in blood.
I don’t know that much about the WW2 history but are you really that sure it was pure altruism? There was no national interest in all that? If nothing else to have more international influence and stop the communist expansion that would than be a bigger treat to the USA too? And I’m in no way criticizing, there is nothing immoral, especially not in this case. But at the end it all comes down to interests behind the actions and polished diplomatic phraseology over them. When it is in our interest we will support democracy, but we will also support dictatorships if our interest is there… And if we have no (strategic, economic..) interest we certainly won’t send our army somewhere that easily. Again not criticizing, it’s just the way things are, the reason USA are more in the focus is because of their military (and other) strength, so they have more impact. But in their own ways every country normally tries to expand their interests first. I just don’t believe in political altruism, even in the instances where there have been some at the end it proved to be a mistake. Realpolitik at least to some extent I’m afraid is our reality. But maybe that’s just pessimism. Hope so :D
quote:
You are very correct in that the result of the U.S. election will impact coutries around the world. The possiblilty of a radical change in our government will impact and polarize the States, and quite possibly lead to a more isolationist approach to global politics...or worse, a softer approach to dictators who want nothing better than to destroy our way of life...and yours. As the old chinese curse goes.."May you live in interesting times"...and we are...
Oh well, I have doubts in some in radical changes. Changes might be in methods.. using gloves is more popular than guns but strategic interests will probably remain the same. Yes, but from their point of view you are trying to destroy their way of life. And are much more successful in doing that. [8|]
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