Failed States Summary

How can a country preach democracy while consistently ignoring democratic principles both abroad and at home?

1. Special Powers of the United States in International Law

The United States claims exceptional status, allowing it to bypass international rules. Its position as a permanent member of the UN Security Council gives it disproportionate influence over global decisions, often to the detriment of equity and fairness. This privilege has led to corruption, such as the misuse of the UN’s Oil-for-Food Program, where Saddam Hussein received $1.8 billion in kickbacks, with US corporations playing a role. Despite claims of safeguarding international order, US actions often defy the very principles the organization stands for.

The US also alters global definitions to suit its needs, such as redefining "torture" in ways that permit extreme interrogation methods while sidestepping international law. The Geneva Convention provides a straightforward definition of torture as severe physical or mental suffering for intimidation or coercion. Yet, the US Justice Department narrows this to acts generating pain akin to organ failure or death, enabling practices that would otherwise be outlawed.

Examples

• US corporations were implicated in Oil-for-Food Program scams and escaped international sanctions.
• The Geneva Convention defines torture broadly; the US reinterprets it narrowly to justify actions.
• Being a UN Security Council permanent member has shielded the US from accountability.

2. The US and the Doctrine of Anticipatory Self-Defense

The United States redefines the rules of engagement in conflict, frequently bypassing UN mandates. Under the guise of anticipatory self-defense, it attacks parties it deems potential threats – a rationale used for the Afghanistan invasion following 9/11. This principle risks undermining global norms, as it justifies striking first rather than waiting for provocation.

Ironically, US tactics that fit this anticipatory framework have targeted other nations, yet the US would consider retaliation against it unjustified. For example, during the 1960-61 covert operations in Cuba, the CIA carried out bombings and sabotage acts that a targeted state might well view as acts of war.

Examples

• George W. Bush cited anticipatory defense in justifying the Afghan invasion.
• US-backed operations in Cuba involved provocations such as bombing factories.
• Threats to the Taliban before 9/11 might have been deemed to justify the attacks under US logic.

3. Economic Gains Over Environmental Concerns

Even in the face of two catastrophic risks, nuclear war and climate change, the United States prioritizes economic interests. Despite growing concerns about accidental nuclear attacks or terrorism involving nuclear materials, the US has avoided full disarmament. When addressing climate change, the US chose to forgo measures to limit emissions during the 2005 G8 summit, with President Bush dismissing scientific evidence.

At stake are profound impacts on global safety and sustainability, yet inadequate US action suggests that geopolitical and corporate interests often outweigh ecological responsibility.

Examples

• Former Senator Sam Nunn warned of increasing nuclear accident risks.
• Bush refused to adopt G8 climate goals, citing "limited" evidence.
• Inaction on nuclear disarmament raises the global threat of catastrophic warfare.

4. Cuba: A Case Study in US Antagonism

The United States has waged a deliberate campaign to destabilize Cuba since Fidel Castro’s communist regime emerged in 1959. In addition to imposing an economic embargo, US operatives sabotaged Cuban infrastructure, destroying plantations and ships. The aim was clear: make Cuba an economic example to deter others from defying US influence.

One particularly striking element is the US Treasury Office’s disproportionate focus on Cuban transactions, investigating over 11,000 cases between 1990 and 2003 while neglecting major terrorism financing, devoting resources to quashing challenges to its authority rather than addressing global security issues.

Examples

• Sabotage of Cuban factories and agriculture caused economic hardship.
• US embargo on Cuba remains one of the most prolonged economic blockades globally.
• OFAC allocated far more resources to targeting Cuba than tracking terrorism financing.

5. Democracy Promotion as a Pretext

Publicly, the United States constantly touts democracy as a cornerstone of its foreign policy. However, this commitment often serves as a rhetorical veil for economic and strategic interests. In Azerbaijan, for instance, the US celebrated an oil pipeline completion while Azerbaijani police brutally attacked pro-democracy protests.

Large contradictions reflect how economic gains take precedence over noble goals. US programs like the National Endowment for Democracy aim to promote democratic governance but are often aligned with bolstering markets and ensuring allies over fostering real freedom.

Examples

• Suppression of democracy in Azerbaijan contradicted US praise for its government.
• The National Endowment for Democracy sometimes promotes commercial interests over voter equality.
• "Democracy promotion" often coincides with securing geopolitical objectives.

6. The Middle East Peace Process and US Interests

US engagement in the Israel-Palestine conflict has tilted toward self-serving interests rather than unbiased mediation. While urging Palestinians toward democracy, the US blocked progress like the Syria-initiated two-state solution, fearing it might undermine Israeli and, by extension, American influence.

The Geneva Accord, a serious effort for Israeli-Palestinian peace, was ignored by the US in favor of protecting strategic regional alliances.

Examples

• Post-Arafat calls for elections came only when the US felt assured of a "safe" outcome.
• Syria’s two-state solution plan was downplayed despite significant international support.
• The Geneva Accord was sidelined to maintain American leverage via Israel.

7. The Catastrophe of the Iraq Invasion

The 2003 US-led invasion aimed to bring democracy to Iraq but instead brought chaos. The imposition of a draft constitution in 2005 prioritized Islamic theocracy over democratic ideals, showing the dissonance between promises and outcomes. Operations like the Fallujah offensive not only devastated civilians but also flouted international conventions governing war.

The campaign worsened livelihoods for Iraqis, suggesting the real goal was less about democracy and more about securing geopolitical advantages within the resource-rich region.

Examples

• Bombing Fallujah destroyed families and medical facilities, violating Geneva protections.
• Iraq’s post-invasion government draft prioritized Islamic over democratic governance.
• Civilian casualties during the conflict eroded trust in US intentions.

8. Domestic Democracy Deficit

While promoting democracy abroad, the United States struggles with its democratic practices at home. Public opinion often clashes with government policies on issues like climate change or UN reforms. For example, even with majority support for the Kyoto Protocol, the US under Bush exited the agreement.

The gap between citizens’ desires and governmental actions symbolizes a "democracy deficit," undermining the very values the nation claims to uphold globally.

Examples

• Exiting the Kyoto Protocol contradicted popular support for environmental action.
• Public preference for non-military anti-terrorism aligns poorly with US strategies.
• Zero reforms to UN Security Council veto rights, despite public approval for change.

9. Can the US Be Called a Failed State?

By George W. Bush’s definition, a failed state is one where citizens’ voices don't shape policy. By this logic, the US itself qualifies. Holding power but ignoring accountability, the government often bypasses its people’s will to serve elite interests, be it on environmental treaties, war policies, or democratic reforms.

If sovereignty lies with the governed, the lack of alignment between policy and public consent contradicts the democratic ideal.

Examples

• Majority support for UN peacekeeping fails to translate into US policy.
• Non-militaristic solutions to terrorism remain underexplored, despite public interest.
• Citizens advocating for climate response see government apathy.

Takeaways

1. Question the motives behind proclaimed ideals – investigate when moral narratives are used to justify policies.
2. Advocate for greater citizen participation in policymaking to close the "democracy deficit."
3. Push for accountability when nations or organizations fail to adhere to international law.