Trump's World: Back to Imperialism in Old Style
John Mearsheimer, 1 of the most influential theorists of global relations and the concept creator offensive realityIn his latest analysis, he brutally exposes the logic behind Donald Trump's abroad policy.
In an interview with “South China Morning Post“ Mearsheimer argues that the fresh military operation in Venezuela, completed with the capture of president Nicolás Maduro, is not part of a large geopolitical strategy, but a return to 19th-century imperialism. According to him, Trump's actions, from Venezuela to Iran and Greenland, are motivated not so much by the defence of American hegemony, but by the desire to straight seize resources and impose their will on another countries. It's a position that makes you look back at chaos in global politics and realize that for Trump, global law and sovereignty of states are of secondary importance.
Venezuela: Oil as a real mark for intervention
According to Mearsheimer, the authoritative justification for American intervention in Venezuela – the fight against drug trafficking and the threat to democracy – is just a smokescreen. Venezuela is neither the main maker nor the transit point for drugs flowing to the US. A real target, according to the professor, is to take control of immense Venezuelan oil reserves. Trump, in his distinctive style, was to openly talk of Venezuelan oil as “our oil”. What distinguishes this operation from the historical intervention in Panama in 1989 is the scale of ambition. In Panama's case, it was about removing dictator Manuel Noriega. In Venezuela, the goal is not only to change the regime, but to change the regime. acquisition and management of the full oil industry, which requires long-term control of the country and the installation of a full submissive government.
Monroe's Doctrine in a fresh Release: Is China a Threat?
Is Trump's actions in Venezuela motivated by fear of China's increasing influence in Latin America? Mearsheimer is skeptical. According to the historical Monroe Doctrine, The United States has never tolerated the military presence of another powers in its “western hemisphere”. However, China, despite developing economical relations with the countries of the region, does not build military bases there or contain military alliances. What's more, Taking over Venezuelan oil by the US and possibly lowering its prices on global markets would benefit Chinawhich are 1 of the largest importers of this natural material. Therefore, according to Mearsheimer, the argument about stopping China in Venezuela is missed. This is not a classical rivalry of powers, but a violent resource game.
Iran and Greenland: Where are the limits of the American force?
Mearsheimer clearly distinguishes the situation in Venezuela from the possible conflict with Iran. Iran is simply a country far greater, more militarily and with greater interior cohesion. While the operation in Venezuela could have been carried out as a rapid, surgical strike, the effort to change the Tehran government would have been an highly costly and risky operation threatening to get stuck in a long-term conflict. Trump, aware of these threats, prefers a strategy “spink” (pinprick operations) – short limited attacks, after which he can declare triumph and avoid “wars without end” that would weaken the U.S.'s ability to compete with China on the main theatre of action, that is, in East Asia.
A completely different but equally symptomatic case is Trump's obsession with Greenland. The desire to “purchase” this autonomous part of Denmark is seen as absurd, but fits into the logic of the world's perception as a transaction arena and competition for resources. Greenland, due to its strategical position in the Arctic and possible natural wealth (including uncommon earth metals), becomes a valuable asset in Trump's eyeswhich can be simply taken over, ignoring the will of its people and the Danish ally.
A fresh planet order or a return to chaos?
Mearsheimer analysis leads to pessimistic conclusions. Donald Trump's policy, based on realism in his most brutal, imperial form, undermines the foundations of the postwar global order. State sovereignty and global law rules are openly ignoredfor an egotistical national interest, which comes down to a forceful acquisition of resources. Although the United States remains an undisputed hegemon in the Western hemisphere, their actions undermine their credibility as the leader of the global order.
In the planet according to Trump and Mearsheimer there is no place for liberal values and cooperation – there is only a ruthless conflict for power and dominance in which the stronger is always right. It's a return to strength policy in its purest form.whose consequences for global stableness can be catastrophic.
Source: SCMP
Leszek B. Glass
Email: [email protected]
