American Foreign Policy: They Do It Because They Can
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In his 2004 novel, Open Society: Reforming Global Capitalism, multi-billionaire George Soros writes that “the United States has become the greatest obstacle to establishing the rule of law in international affairs.” (Masud) As the world finds itself lodged in the age of the American empire, one must sadly admit that American foreign policy and diplomacy support this intrepid claim. With George W. Bush at the helm, the United States government has truly personified an international rogue and delinquent, particularly with respect to global law and initiatives. While one would expect the worlds only superpower to adhere to the rule of law in regards to international affairs (a principle which states that the law is essential in order to ensure order and prosperity and that nobody is above the law), quite the contrary holds true. Rather than utilizing their position of power in order to act as leaders in the promotion of the rule of law in the international community, they have opted to base their foreign policy on the rule of power, finding it preferable in the furthering of American interests. In doing so, the United States has sent the message to the international community loud and clear: they will do whatever they want, whenever they want, and no one can stop them. Time and time again, they have demonstrated an utter and blatant disregard for international treaties. This attitude becomes even more appalling when considering that these are treaties to which they belong. Furthermore, their ongoing track record of inexcusable military operations is nothing less than atrocious. Lastly, their opposing stance on certain global initiatives, in which they refuse to partake, further solidifies their advocacy of the rule of power. The United States of America is founding its foreign policy on the principle of the rule of power, as becomes apparent when examining their disregard for international treaties, their inexcusable military activities, and their stance on certain global initiatives.
A prime example of Americas indifference towards international treaties can be seen in their approach with respect to the United Nations. As brazen as can be, the U.S. completely ignored the U.N.s viewpoint on the invasion of Iraq and chose to invade the nation in spite of it. Inarguably, the U.N.s Security Council had no significant influence on the United States, and its opposition to the war did not alter Americas plan of action. This willingness to attack Iraq with or without the approval of the United Nations Security Council is perhaps the most notable and apparent manifestation of the rule of power in recent U.S. foreign policy. According to American journalists Robert Jensen (professor of journalism at the University of Texas) and Rahul Mahajan:
After months of open expressions of contempt for international law and disregard for the opinions of other nationsGeorge Bush explained that he would be happy to go to war with the endorsement of the Security Council but that he does not consider such endorsement necessary. The United Nations can have a role, the president conceded, but if it makes the wrong decision it will be irrelevant.” (Jensen and Mahajan)
Moreover, in what was viewed by many as a strong message to the American government protesting their disregard for the U.N.s decisions, Jean Chrйtien and the Canadian government refused to join American forces in the war. Although criticism of the decision was inevitable, the move was supported by the majority of Canadians. In a Toronto Star article written in February of 2003, columnist Haroon Siddiqui expresses the view that “Jean Chrйtien is well-advised to keep… insisting that Canada would not join the war unless specifically approved by the United Nations.” (Siddiqui) Nevertheless, the American government remained steadfast and resolute in their sycophantic commitment to the war, and they began the infamous invasion soon after.
In addition, the U.S.s ignoring of court rulings regarding NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and their continuing imposition of unsubstantiated tariffs further demonstrates their reliance on the rule of power. In recent years, the issue of softwood lumber has been one of heated debate between the Canadian and American governments. Canada, a leading producer of softwood lumber, has long been exporting this natural resource to the United States. However, the price at which Canada was selling their softwood lumber to the States was cheaper than the price at which American lumber harvesters sell the resource. Naturally, this resulted in increased revenue for the Canadian government, as American companies were almost always purchasing their lumber from Canada. This in turn caused American harvesters, who would not lower their prices, to struggle, and also removed money from the American economy. Subsequently, the U.S. imposed tariffs on Canadian lumber, so that the latter would no longer be cheaper than American softwood lumber. However, this act violated the stipulations of NAFTA, and therefore, it was not validated by law. Consequently, court rulings ordered the United States to significantly lower the imposed duties. However, the U.S. has ignored court rulings time and time again, needlessly delaying any action that needs to be taken. According to a Toronto Star article by the Associated Press in October of 2005, “Washington says it needs more time to consider a NAFTA ruling that orders it to drastically cut some duties on Canadian softwood lumber exports. Its the fifth time the U.S. has been ordered to cut the duties and Canadian government officials responded angrily to the latest delay.” (U.S. delays lumber action – again) Sadly, it appears that the only thing the Canadian government can do in the face of this international outlaw is to respond angrily. The U.S. has proven that regardless of court rulings or pressure from other nations, they will take action whenever they see fit. Although they are in direct violation of the very treaty they signed, they are slow to change any policies that serve their best interests. This selfishness is characteristic of the implementation of the rule of power.
Moreover, the United States, a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is violating the stipulations of the organizations Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) by way of illegally supplying nuclear technology to nations such as India, a country who refuses to cooperate with the doctrines of the NPT. According to the conditions of the Treaty, member states can sell nuclear power to other treaty-abiding countries for peaceful purposes such as energy development. However, India is a nation who has demonstrated public opposition to the terms of the Treaty and has undertaken nuclear weapons programs. Theoretically,