Why has the USA lost it's imperialistic power?

Question

Iran is confident enough to mock the USA and continue in it's nuclear programs
Venezuela, and Bolivia are confident enough to take back their countries natural resources and insist on a better deal from the American corporations.
North Korea is also confident enough to test it's missiles, to show it's power/ renegotiate a better deal for it's country

But, what is the reason for this?

Have Dubya and his puppeteers lost enough public support, and are under enough scrutiny to halt their imperialist desires?
Or is the reason financial - the astronomic nation debt?
Or maybe logistical - not enough troups to go around?

Answer 1

All of these reasons plus:

1) We have made asses out of ourselves in the eyes of the world. Other countries no longer respect us due to Bush's rush to war against a country that had nothing to do with attacking us. The world used to want to be like us... now they are just waiting for us to deplete ourselves enough so they can divide the pieces up. (Think Dubai Port Deal).

2) How can you respect someone who gets it WRONG so much of the time? We were wrong about WMD, we were wrong about the aftermath of the war, etc...

3) Seeing that we could not even manage to rescue our own citizens after a Hurricane has pretty much exposed the paper lion for what it really is.

4) Other counties are getting more news and more TRUE news about what is really happening in the world than we are. We only THINK we have free press. Bush and his Neo-Cons control what you hear and now even what you say.... be careful.. .the NSA is listening!

Wearable Opinions! - www.cafepress.com/politicalgfx

Answer 2

The history of the world is filled with stories of civilizations that have started... become great... and then faded from history. Almost no civilization has been at the top of the heap for more than 500 years and usually it's 300 years or less.

Rome had it's day, but was brought down by corrupt politicians and greed from with-in. Britain was the greatest marine power in the world... until it ran out of money. Spain sent explorers to the new world and beyond... then fell like a rock when it couldn't afford to make war any longer... Even Russia got outspent by America... and collapsed.

America is on the downturn... The U.S. has had it's day and now the world is tired of being bossed around by the world's biggest bully and realizes what a 'paper tiger' the U.S. really is... so those little countries that have been bossed around for so long by the school-yard bully, are uniting and fighting back because they have found how weak America really is and how Americans have no stomach for war and the vast sums of money that has been squandered away on a useless war for oil is gone forever and can not be used for the social programs we really need here at home.

The infrastructure is crumbling... the Interstate system is 50 years old and much of it is either in ruin or falling apart... and that includes several thousand bridges that need to be replaced but won't be because there is no money to build new ones.

George Bush has just about brought down this country in 6 years of being in office. He has 2 years to go and by then, America could be just a memory.

Remember... the First George Bush had a big 'thing' about there being a "NEW WORLD ORDER" in this country... the present George Bush want's a "NEW WORLD ORDER"... but they haven't told the people that a "NEW WORLD ORDER" means a society made up of HAVES and HAVE NOTS... and the middle class is no more... And Bush has just about done away with the Middle Class and he may get it finished off by the time he is out of office.

Answer 3

I agree with Political G.

The US is a nation of great wealth that once had a reputation for helping those who needed help, but now the world views us an imperialist nation due to our recent military actions. We say we use our resources to fight for democracy, but others see us as a nation that invaded Iraq without just cause. Ours is a great country; however, we have "lost face" on the world stage---how can we bring democracy to a Middle Eastern country if we can't even take care of our own citizens when a natural disaster occurs at home? We flaunt our wealth and our military might in international circles and expect others see us as the great savior for democracy. Instead we have become a rival worth mocking and attacking---I think 9/11 was proof enough of that. Perhaps the current and the future presidential administration should carefully review how international relations policies are formulated and enacted.

Answer 4

We have never had imperialistic power. It has never been the point. What you should be asking is why do countries like Iraq, Iran, North Korea, etc., etc. continue to disregard the United Nations. Why is it that they have no fear of international condement?

The 12 years+ of the UN pussyfooting around with Iraq is a good example to the reasons why. Most of the countries in the UN are weak and selfish. If it were not for the United States fighting for what the UN declares they would have no power at all.

Answer 5

the united states was never meant to be an imperialistic power. we have gone to wars for along time for "regime change". yes Iran is trying to become a nuclear power and the best we can do is "negotiate"

the united states just cant afford to go to wars with countries like Iran because we have invested to0 much in them (and they have invested too much in us). just think what would happen if Iran pulled all of its money out of America (the withdraw their stocks and bonds and Federal funds) they control nearly 2% of America! and 2% lost would mean market shutdowns and inflation. and that would definitely mess us up.

and also other countries expect us to be a "protector" not a "conqueror" and we can't even fully take care of the matters here let alone Korea (already tried that). it is just no way people can control the world alone through military strength. not enough energy,people money or time.

Answer 6

It is necessary for the US to be imperialistic? Why should we dictate policy to another country? Does it mean superiority and more intelligence that we should control others? Other nations fear the aggression from the US and rightly so since we have interferred in many countries' domestic problems. We attempted to prevent a deal between China and Australia over oil exploration rights because we couldn't control it. The US is bemoaning deals between China and African nations because we are unfriendly with those nations. North Korea issued a booklet to its people telling how to prepare for an attack from the US and that was a year ago. Like a wild animal that is cornered, they have to respond in an attempt at self-preservation.

Answer 7

I believe that the last two reasons are correct... Has Dubya ever really cared about public opinion outside of election time?

I think there is one more answer too, us Americans are starting to get tired of constantly hearing war, war, war. Our troops are strechted so thin, and recruitment is at an all time low. If, I mean if, we go to war with Iran or North Korea, we must NOT issue a draft, but increase army pay by at least 50%. The average enlisted makes less money than someone would by working at McDonald's, and oh yeah, McDonald's gives tuition reimbursement.

Answer 8

It's not had imperialist power for awhile. The rules set up in who becomes a territory, then state, ensure that it's a voluntary decision on the part of the intended anexee.
I think countries like Iran are willing to mock the U.S. because of the repeated "second chances" given all the time to our potential enemies. Take Saddam Hussein. From just about the beginning, he defied the terms to the surrender he agreed to. Over,. and over, he was given "Just one, more chance. But this time we REALLY mean it" After a certain number of times, the world quit taking us seriously. It's the same as if you promised a certain punishment on you kid for something. If he does it, and you give him repeated "second" chances, he'll quickly ignore you. Knowing you'll not follow through, allows him to do whatever he wants.

Answer 9

Read your history.

Carter and the Iran hostages, Opec and the energy crisis, Japan's technological invasion of American markets, Berlin wall, Vietnam under Johnson, etc. And your just now noticing the rest of the world?

Cuba got closer to nuclear arms under Kennedy than either N. Korea or Iran to date. India and Pakistan probably got nukes during the Clinton administration. In fact, Clinton is the pres that OK'd the nuke plant in N. Korea.

Todays political dilemas are no more numerous or serious that any time in history.

Either you don't know your history (which is my suspicion), refuse to believe history that disagrees with your pre-determined ideas, or can't read. I'll leave it to you to figure out which.

Answer 10

We're not viewed positively by other countries. We're losing respect from countries that -- despite their disagreement with us -- always used to respect us. Our dollar value is slipping -- eroding -- all over the world. My fear is that one day, all our debts are going to be called by these countries that have just about had it with us, and then we'll really be in trouble.

Here's my take on some reasons why this is happening. I don't think it's about lack of troops or terrorism. Those are the symptoms, not the cause.

An emphasis on "might" over fairness -- some would call it "arrogance" over fairness. This is demonstrated, for example, by a lack of concern for the needs of the developing world.

A lack of concern for the suffering of PEOPLE in undemocratic societies -- too much emphasis on the authoritarian regimes, rather than the people who need alleviation from their suffering.

Total lack of curiosity about other cultures and other parts of the world. We're the only country that does not speak more than one language -- and continues to FIGHT against our citizens being multilingual!

Closing our eyes and ears to dissenters -- both at home and abroad. We need to be open to learning about conditions that others are facing and the perception that they hold of our government, so that we can be open to change and growth in our own country.

VOTE this year, VOTE in 2008, demand accountability and change folks!