Opposition to U.S. foreign policy

As the United States grew into a global power, its government has become more involved with other countries. This has often led to opposition to U.S. foreign policy and has become one of the major sources for anti-American sentiment. This article deals with the main objections that are made.

Related Topics:
United States - Anti-American sentiment

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

U.S. foreign policy has also received much praise, most notably its involvement in World War II in the fight against Nazism, its contributions to the foundation of the United Nations and its opposition to Communism. In public discourse, the goals of U.S. government policy are often described in idealistic terms, including the spread of democracy, freedom and human rights. Opposition to U.S. foreign policy, in particular intervention in sovereign countries, is usually based on the perception that these idealistic goals are contradicted in practice, being subjected to the determined pursuit of U.S. interest.

Related Topics:
Foreign policy - World War II - Nazism - United Nations - Communism - Democracy - Freedom - Human rights

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Both before and after it became the most powerful nation in the world, America has opposed and attacked governments and countries, which often have led to long-lived anti-American sentiments, not only in the attacked countries but also in those which feel threatened by American power. In Canada, for example, anti-American sentiment was strengthened by the War of 1812.

Related Topics:
Canada - War of 1812

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The scope and scale of interference in the affairs of other countries itself has angered many. It was often perceived as an illegitimate interference with the politics of other countries, often with a hegemonic attitude, particularly in Latin America and the Philippines (Philippine-American War).

Related Topics:
Latin America - Philippines - Philippine-American War

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

America's role in the Vietnam War also created extensive anti-American sentiment in many countries because of the massive civilian casualties. During this war, the U.S. conducted massive bombing campaigns against Cambodia; an estimated 600,000 civilians were killed, reminding many of the controversial use of the atomic bombs at the end of World War II in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. They also used chemicals for deforestation that had devastating long-term environmental effects (see Agent Orange).

Related Topics:
Vietnam War - Cambodia - Atomic bombs - World War II - Hiroshima - Nagasaki - Agent Orange

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It is often said that U.S. foreign policies are inconsistent. One example is Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, who was supported and supplied (with poison gas, among other arms) by the U.S. (as well as several European countries) during the war against Iran in the 1980s. When the Senate passed a bill to condemn the Iraqi use of poison gas, then-president Ronald Reagan threatened to veto the bill if it passed the House. Later U.S. presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush fought two wars against Saddam (Gulf War and 2003 Invasion of Iraq).

Related Topics:
Iraqi - Saddam Hussein - War against Iran - 1980s - Ronald Reagan - George H. W. Bush - George W. Bush - Gulf War - 2003 Invasion of Iraq

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Critics also claim that the United States supported Afghan mujahedin forces during that country's occupation by the Soviet Union but later fought against them. Others point out that the mujahedin Afghan Northern Alliance was America's ally against the Taliban. (See U.S. invasion of Afghanistan).

Related Topics:
Afghan - Mujahedin - Soviet Union - Afghan Northern Alliance - Taliban - U.S. invasion of Afghanistan

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Some American politicians argue that changes in policy come about because of changing conditions, such as the collapse of many of the world's communist governments, which was once perceived as the greatest threat. The conflict between a widespread interpretation of U.S. actions in terms of geopolitics, imperialism and economic interests, and the official motivations by means of ideological rhetoric causes an impression of hypocrisy or disrespect for other nations.

Related Topics:
Communist - Geopolitics - Imperialism

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~