How the US protects itself in international affairs: tactics and consequences


The United States of America has long been considered a global superpower, capable of influencing international affairs and engaging in military conflicts worldwide. However, with this power also comes increased responsibility, and the United States has often been accused of abuse of power and human rights violations. Despite this, the United States has managed to protect itself against international legal action using a variety of legal and political tactics.

The first tactic used by the United States to protect itself in international affairs is to refuse to adhere to treaties and international organizations that could make it vulnerable to legal action. For example, the United States has not ratified the Rome Statute, which is the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This decision means that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the United States and cannot investigate or prosecute American individuals for war crimes or crimes against humanity. In addition, the United States has withdrawn its membership from several international organizations, including UNESCO, the UN Human Rights Council, and the World Health Organization, citing concerns about the bias and bureaucracy of these organizations.

Another tactic used by the United States to protect itself in international affairs is to negotiate bilateral agreements with other countries that limit the possibility of legal action. For example, the United States has signed bilateral agreements with several countries, including the United Kingdom, Romania, and Poland, which guarantee immunity for American soldiers involved in military operations in these countries. These agreements have been criticized for their lack of transparency and bias in favor of American interests.

Another tactic used by the United States to protect itself in international affairs is to use its political influence to block or delay investigations or legal action. For example, the United States has used its veto power at the United Nations Security Council to prevent the establishment of international investigations into human rights violations in Syria and Palestine. The United States has also exerted pressure on international courts to delay or cancel investigations into alleged war crimes committed by its soldiers.

Finally, the United States has established its own military justice system to investigate allegations of war crimes committed by its soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, these investigations have been criticized for their lack of transparency and independence, and many observers believe that these investigations have not provided justice to the victims of these war crimes.

Despite these tactics, the United States has still faced international legal action in the past. For example, in 1986, the International Court of Justice ruled that the United States had violated international law by supporting the Contras in Nicaragua. In 2002, an international tribunal convicted the United States of war crimes due to the use of cluster munitions in Afghanistan. Additionally, national courts in some European countries have also pursued American officials for human rights violations.

However, despite these cases, the United States has continued to use its political and economic influence to protect itself against international legal action. For example, the United States has threatened to suspend economic aid to certain countries that pursue American citizens for war crimes or human rights violations. The United States has also used its influence to pressure foreign governments to waive their right to pursue American officials for war crimes.

Ultimately, the United States' ability to protect itself against international legal action raises important questions about accountability and transparency in international affairs. The tactics used by the United States to avoid legal action may seem contrary to the idea of a world order based on law and justice. Observers have noted that the credibility of the United States in defending human rights and democracy has been eroded due to these tactics.

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