The Driving Force of American Foreign Policy

The dominant theme of American foreign policy since World War II has been the belief that the United States should act as the world's primary leader and enforcer of order. This perspective stems from a sense of American exceptionalism, where many citizens view U.S. hegemony as inherently beneficial to global security and the promotion of democracy and the rule of law. However, this approach has often led to aggressive stances against nations that contest U.S. dominance, resulting in military interventions and efforts to destabilize regimes perceived as threats. The ongoing belief that the U.S. must remain the sole superpower reflects a mindset that could not only overlook the desires of other nations for sovereignty but also risks escalating tensions in an increasingly multipolar world.