The Global Implications of American Hegemony
by - Dr. Shireen Bangash
Tuesday 12-12-2023
In today's intricate geopolitical landscape, responses to disruptions in global peace or regional unrest typically involve collaborative efforts by the international community through alliances or international bodies. This aims not just to apply international pressure but also to subject such actions to scrutiny, erecting checks and balances to dissuade nations from destabilizing vital regions or undermining global harmony. However, a conspicuous imbalance exists in the current global scenario, largely stemming from the unassailable dominance and unilateralism wielded by the United States as the primary superpower. This hegemony often renders the rest of the world seemingly powerless, casting them as bystanders to U.S. transgressions. The apparent ineffectiveness of institutions like the United Nations further compounds this issue. The exhibited attitudes reflect aspects of America's dominant stance and monopolistic power. These behaviors undermine global dynamics, impeding decision-making, straining relations, and hindering collaborative efforts. Examining recent history, the West dedicated decades to crafting a global image post-World War II. This involved establishing institutions, legal frameworks, and slogans safeguarding rights, fostering expression, and setting norms for warfare conduct. Yet, conflicts like the Ukraine-Russia War and the Hamas-Israel conflict reveal a disregard for these established norms and ethical standards. On the domestic front, American governments were "historically" very responsive to public opinion and street anger, but a paradigm shift since October 7th shows US officials seemingly impervious to public sentiment, pursuing unpopular policies without hesitation. This shift prompts questions about the West's adherence to ethical norms when facing similar global violations by others in the future. There's growing suspicion that these norms were tools to validate aggression or criticism. The apparent abandonment of these norms suggests a belief in absolute control over global boundaries. This flip also highlights declining democratic values and a widening gap between governing institutions and the public. It signifies a trend toward diminished influence of public opinion on policy-making. In a display of unilateral action, the United States dismisses a universally supported consensus, choosing its course despite pleas for peace. This stance establishes a narrative of dominance, raising critical questions about global diplomacy, sovereignty, and power dynamics. At this critical juncture, the global community faces a choice: Submission to dominance or a commitment to principled autonomy ensuring a world where peace and justice prevail. It's incumbent upon the international community to unite and declare, "Enough is enough," halting these actions and upholding ethical benchmarks to safeguard justice and moral integrity globally.
