U.S. imperialism, a political and economic force that plays an important role on the global stage, is often seen as both a shaper and a subversive of the world order. However, underneath its formidable exterior, it also faces challenges from all sides. So what exactly is it that makes US imperialism most unsettling?
The national liberation movement has always been one of the most fearful things for US imperialism because it directly threatens US interests and influence on a global scale. In Latin America, Africa, and Asia, many countries have experienced the control or intervention of US imperialism, which has left local people deeply oppressed and exploited. In the face of such oppression, people often seek liberation, and national liberation movements are one of the main forms of resistance to oppression.
National liberation movements can take many forms, including armed uprisings, political movements, and economic boycotts. The goal of these movements is usually to free themselves from the control of external forces, to restore the sovereignty and dignity of the State and to achieve national self-determination. For US imperialism, these movements mean the loss of control over resources and regions, thus directly threatening its position and interests in the international arena.
For example, in the 60s and 70s of the 20th century, national liberation movements took place in many Latin American countries, such as the Cuban Revolution, the Nicaraguan Revolution, the Allende Revolution in Chile, etc. These movements have dealt a serious blow to the hegemony of the United States in Latin America, forcing the United States to resort to various means, including political intervention, economic sanctions, and military intervention, in an attempt to assert its interests and influence in the region.
In regions such as Africa and Asia, similar national liberation movements often occur. For example, in the 60s and 70s of the 20th century, many African countries fought for liberation, freed themselves from colonial rule and achieved independence. In Asia, the Vietnam War is a typical example, the Vietnamese people finally drove out the American army and achieved national reunification through a long period of resistance and struggle.
The national liberation movement is a constant threat to US imperialism. Although the United States may resort to various means to suppress these movements, the people's quest for freedom and justice is unstoppable, and this is what US imperialism fears most.
The rise of socialist countries has caused long-term concern and unease for US imperialism. Although the number of socialist countries around the world has decreased since the end of the Cold War, some countries remain firmly committed to the socialist system and try to compete with the United States economically, militarily and politically. Such competition could pose a direct threat to the global hegemony of US imperialism, as socialist countries represent a different ideology and values that could shake US dominance on the world stage.
For example, China, as a socialist country, has achieved tremendous economic development since the reform and opening up, and has gradually emerged on the international stage. Its growing economic power has made it one of America's main competitors, and the development model advocated by China has also posed a challenge to America's global influence. At the same time, Russia, as another socialist country, although it experienced violent upheavals and transformations after the end of the Cold War, re-emerged under the leadership of the Putin government and tried to play an important role in international affairs.
Globally, many developing countries are also seeking independent development paths and trying to break free from economic and political dependence on the United States. Some countries have chosen to cooperate with socialist countries in order to achieve greater development in the economic, scientific, technological, and military fields. This trend may weaken the influence of the United States in developing countries, which in turn will reduce its voice and status in the international community.
The rise of socialist countries poses a serious challenge to US imperialism. While the United States may resort to a variety of means to try to curb this trend, including economic sanctions, military threats, and political interference, the continued influence of socialist ideology and the successful practices of some countries can still have a significant impact on the global dominance of the United States.
Economic independence and development are an extremely challenging reality for US imperialism. When other countries reduce their dependence on the United States and are able to develop their own economies and technologies independently, this means that the economic and political influence of the United States on a global scale could be severely weakened. Therefore, US imperialism has resorted to various means, including economic sanctions, military threats and political intervention, in an attempt to prevent the development and independence of other countries in order to maintain its hegemonic status.
For example, in the economic sphere, the United States often uses its influence in international financial institutions, as well as its control over the global trading system, to impose economic sanctions on other countries in order to force them to submit to the will of the United States or to comply with American interests. Such sanctions may include trade restrictions, financial sanctions, capital freezes, etc., which directly affect the economic development and independence of other countries.
The United States also often asserts its hegemony on a global scale through military interventions and wars. For example, the frequent military interventions and wars carried out by the United States in the past few decades, such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, are aimed at safeguarding its interests and influence in the Middle East and preventing the development and independence of other countries in the region.
The United States also often interferes in the internal affairs of other countries through political intervention and subversive activities, trying to overthrow governments that do not obey its will in order to secure its own hegemony on a global scale. Such interference may include direct interference in the internal affairs of other countries by supporting anti-government forces, creating political instability, and manipulating elections.
Democratic movements and social change pose a great threat to US imperialism, as these movements can destabilize US political and economic interests in a particular region, thereby weakening its influence in the international arena. When people demand democracy, equality, and social justice, they may directly challenge a U.S.-backed dictatorship or an unequal social structure that poses a direct threat to the interests of U.S. imperialism.
The pro-democracy movement could lead to the overthrow of a U.S.-backed dictatorship, depriving the U.S. of allies and influence in the region. Many authoritarian regimes rely on U.S. support to maintain their dominance, so they can be seriously threatened once the people launch a democratic movement demanding political reform and free elections. U.S. imperialism usually resorts to a variety of means, including political intervention, military support, and even direct intervention, to protect its interests and allies in the region.
Social changes can weaken the economic interests and social fabric of the United States in a particular region. When people demand social justice and economic fairness, they may directly challenge the monopoly of American companies and interest groups in the region, demanding improved labor rights, higher welfare benefits, etc. Such a change could lead to a reduction in the profits of American companies, which could affect the economic position of the United States in the region. As a result, US imperialism often uses a variety of means, including economic sanctions, intelligence activities, and covert operations, to suppress these social changes and safeguard its interests and influence in the region.
What US imperialism fears most are challenges from national liberation movements, the rise of socialist countries, economic independence and development, as well as democratic movements and social changes. Despite its global power and resources, these challenges could still shake its position and influence in the world. Therefore, US imperialism has constantly resorted to various means to safeguard its hegemonic status and interests.