Two imperialism models: Will Harris' victory really benefit Global South?
Pars Today - Both the Democratic and Republican parties are interested in the development of US imperialism and have used military power to preserve American economic hegemony.
As the US presidential election nears, many of the Global South pioneers have been under pressure to raise their voices in support of Kamala Harris. According to Pars Today, for a while, a great current in the media sphere has also put forward the concept that Harris' victory can be to the benefit of democracy in the US and the interests of the Global South.
To corroborate this concept, it is argued that Trump is a threat to American democracy and the interests of the Global South. While this argument may sound logical about the American internal interests, the question remains: "Will Harris' victory really benefit the Global South?"
Both the Democratic and Republican parties of imperialism are interested in development of the US imperialism and have used military power to preserve American economic hegemony. Both parties have exploited the ideology of "mission democracy" to justify this imperialist expansion just as during the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq.
For instance, in 2002, most Democratic senators, too, voted for attacking Iraq. Unlike Republicans, Democrats have pursued multilateral rather than unilateral measures and have tried to gain the support of international bodies like the UN and NATO. But, these differences have mainly been in styles with little difference of effect for the Global South.
An interesting phenomenon has taken place among the Republicans in recent months: Many former Republican politicians have tilted towards supporting Democrats. Two of the most outstanding figures were Dick Cheney and his daughter, Liz, who had been among the main supporters of warmongering policies in West Asia. The reason for this major exit is that Republicans no longer trust Trump as he has undermined the Western alliances and is not abiding by the old traditional principles of the US foreign policy. On the other side, the Biden administration and, now Harris, have adopted more offensive and militarized approaches.
Biden has continued his full support for Israel and strengthened NATO after being weakened by Trump. Moreover, to besiege China, Biden has taken unprecedented measures. These policies are very similar to those of George W. Bush whose aim was to isolate Russia and control China. The two models of empire are in fact opposite each other in the upcoming election in November: one model is the traditional model of Democrats and Republicans which seeks to preserve the US hegemony via global capitalism and multilateral military alliances.
The other one is Trump's model which has tried to concentrate on the "America First" and isolation of the world. This view emphasizes on reduction of international interventions and focusing on the interior of the US. Yet, it pursues some more offensive policies in its programs. Finally, it should be said that both these models are detrimental to the Global South. While Democrats are insisting on the continuation of their imperialist policies, Trump's approach has also left the Global South alone.
RM/MG
Source: How Should the Global South Look at the US Elections? Bello, Walden, Counterpunch