The United States declared its independence from Britain 250 years ago. Since then, its relations with other nations and its global image have undergone profound changes.
On July 4, 1776, the founders proclaimed 'Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness' as unalienable rights. For 250 years, US governments have claimed that preserving democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms are the main drivers of foreign policy.
However, Americans themselves increasingly doubt these ideals. In 2024, 72% of US respondents agreed that democracy in the United States 'used to be a good example, but has not been in recent years.'
Political scientists Monica Duffy Toft and Sidita Kushi identified over 500 US military interventions in 250 years. Kushi noted that after 9/11, the belief in the rationality of enemies dissipated, leading to the view: 'If we cannot use diplomacy, all we have is violence.'
Latin America has been the most consistent site of interventions since the early 19th century, but recent decades have seen a shift toward the Middle East, North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, driven by the 'global war on terror' and US power projection.
The 1990s were the era of humanitarian interventionism. Since 2001, 'maintaining or building foreign regime authority' has been a major motivator. This year's examples include the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the war against Iran.
Economic protection as an objective has declined since WWII. Instead, the US increasingly signed trade treaties from the 1960s to 1980s. However, the number of new treaties has fallen since the 1980s, with a preference for bilateral agreements.
The number of unfilled US ambassador posts is at a record high. Research shows the US is more likely to enter military conflicts with countries where it lacks an ambassador. Kushi argues the shift from diplomacy to force harms US and global security.
A Pew Research survey found 62% of Americans lack confidence in President Trump's use of military force. Satisfaction with the US position in the world has dropped from 71% in 2002 to 38% now.
The US image abroad has worsened. According to the Alliance of Democracies, only three of 48 surveyed countries (Israel, Russia, China) showed improved views of the US.
Source: www.dw.com