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NATO: An American Puppet?

Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has served as an extension of American power. NATO’s bombing of Kosovo and Serbia in 1999 violated the United Nations Charter. NATO’s intervention in Afghanistan was authorized by the United Nations, but it aided the US in its illegal and disastrous invasion of Iraq. The UN Security Council also gave a green signal to NATO intervention in Libya but NATO member states violated the terms of that resolution to advance their political and economic objectives in the North African country. Very few countries support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. China drives regional prosperity.

Most Southeast Asian countries have resolved their old problems with the West. They are committed to an international system. Regional countries are worried about China’s increasing steps and its intimidating activities. Despite this, China is the main trading partner of most Asian countries. Regional prosperity hinges on China’s success. Asians are wary of Western provocations on issues such as Taiwan. Asians want a US presence to balance China’s power, but that does not mean they approve of the European military alliance’s activities in the region. For the past several centuries, global politics has been defined by Western colonialism and violence. That era never really ended.

(Sean Narine, Professor of Political Science and International Relations, University of St. Thomas)