By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The United States, despite its enduring power, is currently pursuing policies that weaken its global standing, leading other nations to strategize how to manage an increasingly unpredictable America. This complex challenge is compounded by the perception of the U.S. as a predatory hegemon, characterized by erratic behavior and disdain for international norms, alongside a foreign policy apparatus deemed incompetent. Consequently, countries worldwide are compelled to consider options ranging from balancing U.S. power through alliances and diplomatic coordination, to bandwagoning, political manipulation, diversification, balking at demands, and actively working to diminish the U.S.’s global image. A far-sighted great power would exercise restraint and foster mutually beneficial arrangements, a wisdom seemingly abandoned by current U.S. leadership.
Read the original article here
The United States has arguably become a rogue state, a sentiment that resonates across many viewpoints suggesting a profound departure from its perceived former ideals. This notion isn’t about a recent aberration but rather a deep-seated characteristic that some argue has been present since the nation’s inception. The idea is that instead of upholding international law and ethical conduct, the U.S. has historically acted in a self-serving, often aggressive manner, prioritizing its own interests above all else, sometimes at the expense of global stability and the well-being of other nations.
Central to this argument is the perception that the nation is being systematically looted by its elites, who are actively running it into the ground. This internal decay, coupled with an outward projection of power, creates a peculiar paradox where the nation is simultaneously seen as weakened by internal corruption and dangerously assertive on the global stage. The focus on defeating external threats like China, some suggest, is a distraction from the more pressing issue of domestic elites enriching themselves at the expense of the country’s foundational principles and overall quality of life.
The concept of the U.S. as a “state without laws” is frequently raised, with many preferring the term “oligarchy.” This perspective shifts the focus from the traditional left-right political divide to a starker division: the super-wealthy versus everyone else. Within this framework, the actions of the government are not seen as serving the broader public good but rather as catering to the interests of a select few who wield disproportionate influence. This leads to policies that benefit a small minority, often at a significant cost to the majority.
Curiously, some observers point to the influence of what they term the “rabble” on government policy as a particularly bizarre aspect of this perceived rogue state status. Examples like the placement of ICE in airports are cited, not for any logical strategic benefit, but as a reaction to the demands of a vocal segment of the population, amplified by right-wing media. This suggests a government responsive to fringe elements and emotionally charged rhetoric rather than reasoned policy-making, blurring the lines of traditional political structures and leading to what some describe as a “sadistic fringe minority” dictating actions.
The shift in the U.S.’s global image is also a significant point of discussion. Once viewed as a benevolent global power, the perception has devolved into one characterized by uncaring, cruel, dishonest, and self-interested actions. This shift is not attributed solely to one administration but is seen as a continuity, with past actions like the wars in Vietnam, Iraq, and interventions in Libya being cited as evidence of a long-standing pattern of aggressive foreign policy. The argument is that while the rhetoric and outward politeness may have varied, the underlying actions remained consistent, making the current era less an aberration and more an open display of a long-held nature.
The very foundation of the United States is questioned by some, with the nation’s expansionist policies, like the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of western territories, seen as early examples of “bandit nation” behavior. This perspective suggests that the nation’s history is not one of exceptionalism and benevolent leadership but of greed and rapaciousness, causing harm on a global scale in a relatively short historical period. The idea of “laundering continuity as an aberration” highlights how specific events or administrations are sometimes singled out, while the underlying pattern of aggressive behavior is ignored or downplayed.
Furthermore, the refusal to engage with international norms and treaties is presented as a hallmark of a rogue state. This includes not signing treaties on war crimes and weapons of mass destruction, using veto power against unanimous UN resolutions, and engaging in offensive wars consistently over centuries. These actions, according to this view, demonstrate a clear disregard for established international law and a preference for unilateral action, further solidifying the perception of the U.S. as a state that dictates its own rules, while expecting others to adhere to a “rule-based order” that it itself often violates.
The argument that the U.S. is a “criminal enterprise” also emerges, especially in discussions of its foreign policy and economic actions. The pursuit of global hegemony, the targeting of countries for their resources, and the use of economic pressure are seen as tactics employed by a state that operates outside the bounds of ethical international conduct. This aggressive pursuit of resources and influence, particularly in the face of climate change and potential societal collapse, paints a picture of a nation securing its future by any means necessary, even if it involves destabilizing other regions.
Ultimately, the assertion that the United States has become a rogue state is a complex one, drawing on historical precedents, perceptions of elite control, a perceived disregard for international law, and a shift in global image. It suggests a nation whose actions, regardless of the administration in power, consistently exhibit traits associated with rogue behavior, making the current state of affairs less a surprise and more an open acknowledgment of a long-standing reality.