Is the 21st century American?
The Americans – after World War II – proclaimed themselves the saviors of humanity, intervening in everything that happens on the planet.
Before World War I, Sartre said it was natural to be French. What wasn't natural was being African, Asian, or South American. After the First World War, being North American became natural. Other ethnicities, races, and nationalities became strange, exotic, and some, superfluous or surplus (and therefore eliminable). I say this because American pretensions to intervene in everything or everywhere are considered reasonable and/or rational. It's always in favor of "democracy," "freedom," "Judeo-Christian civilization," etc. It's the image of the "good power" that, known for its global responsibilities, intervenes to save, pacify, liberate, defend, etc.
With this messianic and salvationist discourse, the Americans – after World War II – self-elected themselves the saviors of humanity, intervening in everything that happens on the planet. Curiously, the "good superpower" does not submit to international jurisdiction, does not respect UN decisions (or chooses whichever one it wants), does not respect the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, and does not allow its citizens to be tried for war crimes by foreign courts. And it still maintains a veritable legal "black hole" at the Cuban base of Guantanamo, with prisoners of war without any rights.
How can one accept such an imperial and amoral claim as natural? Now, conflict has arisen in Central Asia, in the former Soviet empire. Here comes the American cavalry, ready to "help" Ukraine preserve its sovereignty against Russia. Does anyone believe in the reasons of international law that are inspiring the Americans' actions?
Since 9/11, the Americans have found a reason to interfere in the affairs of Central Asia, a region rich in natural gas deposits that supply Europe. The People's Republic of China, Iran, and Russia, competitors for American global hegemony (all possess nuclear weapons), are located nearby. It's more or less clear that the American government is manipulating its NATO allies to impose geopolitical limits on Russia and other competitors. As Putin said, Russia cannot feel secure with a military base installed in its vicinity, just as the Americans did not feel secure with Soviet missiles in Cuba. It's a strategic game between powers. And what purpose has NATO served since the end of the Cold War, in terms of military presence in Europe?
* This is an opinion article, the responsibility of the author, and does not reflect the opinion of Brasil 247.
