By Denis Hay

Description: U.S. Imperalism

Discover how U.S. imperialism, war economics, and religious land conflicts shape global politics. Learn how Australia can use monetary sovereignty to foster an ethical system.

Introduction: Unveiling the Complex Web of U.S. Imperialism and Global Conflicts

For centuries, global politics have been shaped by economic ambitions, religious influence, and military interventions. The United States, often regarded as a beacon of freedom, has played a pivotal role in shaping world events – both through its imperial ambitions and war-driven economy. Yet, these actions have left a trail of socio-political challenges that continue to reverberate today. From expropriated lands to conflicts fuelled by economic and military motives, the role of the U.S. cannot be ignored.

However, warfare is one of the most expensive and destructive forces a nation can undertake. Empires like Imperial Russia, Germany, the Ottoman Empire, and Austria-Hungary collapsed under the strain of World War I, while Britain limped forward, only to lose its global dominance after World War II. The U.S. itself, once the envy of the world in 1950, now suffers from deep inequalities and underfunded social services due to decades of military overspending.

In contrast, Australia, through its monetary sovereignty, can forge a different path – one that fosters compassion, ethics, and peace. With full control over its currency and spending, Australia can focus on investing in social welfare, diplomacy, and education, avoiding the mistakes made by other global powers.

This guide explores U.S. imperialism, war economics, and religious land conflicts while examining how Australia can use its monetary sovereignty to lead by example, promoting a peaceful and ethical global future.

1. The History of U.S. Imperialism and Global Expansionism (19th to 20th Century)

The Manifest Destiny Doctrine

The concept of Manifest Destiny fuelled U.S. expansion across North America in the 19th century. Rooted in the belief that the U.S. was destined to spread from coast to coast, this doctrine led to conflicts with Indigenous populations and Mexico. The Mexican American War (1846–1848) resulted in the annexation of territories like California, Texas, and New Mexico. Indigenous populations were decimated, and the survivors were relegated to marginal lands.

Spanish-American War (1898)

The Spanish-American War marked the U.S.’s transition into a global power. After defeating Spain, the U.S. gained control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Guam. Though Cuba was granted formal independence in 1902, the U.S. kept a stronghold over its political and economic affairs, ensuring ongoing American influence.

The Panama Canal

In 1903, the U.S. orchestrated a rebellion in Panama to secure control over the Panama Canal, a critical economic and military pathway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This intervention further solidified U.S. dominance in the region.

These early imperial moves laid the foundation for U.S. global dominance, where economic and military interests began to dictate foreign policy decisions for decades to come.

References:

LaFeber, W. (1993). The New Empire: An Interpretation of American Expansion, 1860–1898.

Kinzer, S. (2006). Overthrow: America’s Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq.

2. Economic Motives Behind U.S. Military Interventions

Nicaragua and Canal Conflicts

In 1910, the U.S. invaded Nicaragua to secure dominance over proposed canal routes, ensuring no rival to the Panama Canal. U.S. interventions allowed American corporations to control Nicaraguan finances, which impoverished the local population and established U.S. hegemony over the region’s infrastructure.

Haiti and Evangelical Business Interests

The U.S. military invaded Haiti in 1915 to protect American evangelical business interests. The 19-year occupation solidified U.S. economic control over Haiti, setting the stage for long-term political instability that endures to this day.

The Iranian Coup (1953)

In 1953, the U.S. and Britain orchestrated a coup in Iran to restore Western dominance over Iranian oil, which had been nationalized. The coup installed the Shah, an authoritarian ruler supported by the West, whose rule persisted until the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

These interventions reveal that U.S. foreign policy has rarely been driven by altruism. Instead, economic control has often overshadowed democratic values, leaving deep social, political, and economic scars in the affected nations.

References:

Blum, W. (2000). Rogue State: A Guide to the World’s Only Superpower

Gasiorowski, M. J., & Byrne, M. (2004). Mohammad Mosaddeq and the 1953 Coup in Iran.

3. U.S. Corporate Collaboration with Nazi Germany (1930s-1940s)

The Role of American Corporations

Before and during WWII, American corporations such as Ford and General Motors kept business ties with Nazi Germany. Over 150 U.S. companies contributed to the rearmament of Germany by supplying raw materials, technology, and patent knowledge.

Moral Debate and Economic Motivations

While well-documented, this collaboration is still controversial. U.S. businesses prioritized profit over ethics, leading to legal and moral scrutiny post-WWII.

The moral complexities of profiting from a regime responsible for atrocities show the darker side of international capitalism and how economic interests often override ethical considerations.

References:

Higham, C. (1983). Trading with the Enemy: An Exposé of The Nazi-American Money Plot 1933–1949.

Loftus, J., & Aarons, M. (1994). The Secret War Against the Jews.

4. Operation Condor and U.S. Support for South American Dictators

Operation Condor Overview

Between 1975 and 1989, the U.S. supported Operation Condor, a campaign of political repression across Latin America designed to suppress socialist and communist movements. These efforts led to widespread human rights abuses, particularly in Argentina, Chile, and Brazil.

Human Rights Violations

With U.S. backing, military dictatorships in South America executed forced disappearances, torture, and assassinations. Over 60,000 people, including 30,000 in Argentina alone, were killed during this period of repression.

The legacy of Operation Condor is still a dark chapter in Latin American history, where fear of communism led to the destruction of families and communities.

References:

McSherry, J. P. (2005). Predatory States: Operation Condor and Covert War in Latin America.

Dinges, J. (2004). The Condor Years: How Pinochet and His Allies Brought Terrorism to Three Continents.

5. U.S. Military Base Expansion and War Economics

The Role of War in the U.S. Economy

The U.S. military runs around 800 bases globally, which serve as strategic assets for projecting military power and controlling trade routes. This global presence enables the U.S. to keep influence over international affairs.

Economic Impact of Military Spending

The U.S. economy is heavily tied to its military-industrial complex. Defence spending drives employment and technological innovation but at the cost of social programs like healthcare and education. This reliance on war economics perpetuates a cycle of military intervention.

Potential Solutions for Australia

Australia, with its monetary sovereignty, can break free from the cycle of war economics by focusing on diplomacy, international aid, and sustainable development. Unlike the U.S., Australia can prioritize investments that promote peace and stability rather than military dominance.

References:

Chalmers, J. (2004). The Sorrows of Empire: Militarism, Secrecy, and the End of the Republic.

Vine, D. (2020). The United States of War: A Global History of America’s Endless Conflicts, from Columbus to the Islamic State.

6. The Hidden Cost of Militarization: Social Decay in the U.S.

Social Decay and Neglect of Public Services

The massive investment in military spending in the U.S. has come at a steep social cost. Essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure have been neglected, contributing to widespread social decay. Pre-COVID, the U.S. had an extreme poverty rate of 5.5%, comparable to countries like Egypt and Palestine, and at least 550,000 people were homeless on any given night.

Education, Crime, and Inequality

The U.S. literacy rate stands at 86%, ranking 125th globally, alongside countries like Syria and Zimbabwe. Around 30 % of U.S. adults are functionally illiterate, making it difficult for them to vote, complete job applications, or escape poverty. The gun-related homicide rate in the U.S. is 25 times higher than other high-income nations, and the U.S. has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world, with 655 inmates per 100,000 people.

Incarceration and Systemic Inequality

With 2 million people in prison and another 4.4 million under judicial restraint, the U.S. leads the world in incarceration rates. The systemic inequality within the American judicial system disproportionately affects low-income communities and minorities, leading to long-term cycles of poverty and crime.

The deep social inequalities in the U.S. are a direct consequence of decades of prioritizing military spending over social investment. The country now shows many of the same characteristics as failing states, with large disparities between the wealthy and the poor, high crime rates, and an underfunded education system.

References:

Hickel, J. (2018). The Divide: A Brief Guide to Global Inequality and its Solutions.

Davis, M. (2006). Planet of Slums.

7. Expropriation and Revanchism in Religious Land Conflicts

Church Land Ownership

Throughout history, religious institutions have held vast amounts of land globally. During political upheavals, these lands were often expropriated, with the church working to reclaim them through diplomacy, influence, or military force.

Modern-Day Jerusalem

In Jerusalem, religious land ownership is still highly contested. Over 60% of Jerusalem’s land is owned by Christian churches, and tensions between Israeli settlers and religious institutions over land rights continue to escalate.

Australia’s Role

Australia’s monetary sovereignty allows it to take a leadership role in advocating for peaceful, ethical resolutions to these long-standing religious land disputes. By using its financial autonomy to fund diplomacy and conflict resolution efforts, Australia can promote global peace.

References:

Wylie, J. A. (2010). The History of Protestantism, Volumes I-III.

Finkelstein, N. G. (2000). The Rise and Fall of Palestine: A Personal Account of the Intifada Years.

Summary: The Intersection of Imperialism, Religion, and War Economics

Throughout history, imperialism, religious land conflicts, and war economics have shaped global power dynamics. The U.S. has been a key player, but its military-driven economy has led to deep social inequalities and unrest. Australia, with its monetary sovereignty, can learn from these historical lessons and promote ethical, compassionate governance by focusing on diplomacy, social services, and human rights.

Question for Readers

How can Australia use its monetary sovereignty to advocate for global peace and ethical political systems?

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This article was originally published on Social Justice Australia