American Foreign Policy: They Do It Because They Can

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 world's 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... [continues]

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