American Foreign Policy as Modern Imperialism: From Armed Humanitarianism to Preemptive War

摘要

Elements of a Marxist theory of imperialism can help explain current U. S. foreign policy as a hegemonic imperialist project. Contrary to the American decline thesis, after the collapse of the Soviet bloc the United States managed to retain its hegemonic position in the imperialist chain. This was based on an imperialist strategy that combined full implementation of neoliberal policies and capitalist restructuring of production with increased emphasis on military interventionism, first in the form of "humanitarian" interventions and now as a pre-emptive "war on terror." Despite the many contradictions facing the United States, especially after the invasion of Iraq, American hegemony remains unchallenged, especially since no other capitalist state is willing to openly contest American supremacy.