John Mearsheimer: Why Liberal Democracy Is Over!

The idea that a country can assert its power and violate the sovereignty of other nations is a recipe for disaster. As a former member of the American military during the Vietnam War, I witnessed firsthand the futility of such interventions. The United States suffered a humiliating defeat in Vietnam, and the lesson learned was clear: meddling in the affairs of other countries leads to nothing but trouble.

Lessons from History

The French, Americans, and even the Chinese all experienced the harsh consequences of trying to impose their will on other nations. The French were defeated in Vietnam in 1954, and the United States suffered a similar fate in the 1970s. Even the Chinese, in their ill-fated invasion of North Vietnam, learned the hard way that meddling in the affairs of other nations leads to a quagmire of trouble.

The Power of Nationalism

The power of nationalism is not limited to the United States. It applies to other global powers like Russia and China as well. Just as the United States is interested in promoting liberal democracy, Moscow and Beijing have their own national interests at heart. The principle of "what's good for the goose is good for the gander" holds true in international politics.

The Realities of Power and Influence

NATO and Russia

The expansion of NATO towards Russia's doorstep is a clear example of the consequences of encroaching on another country's sphere of influence. The United States, as a ruthless great power, would never tolerate a similar scenario in its own backyard. It is essential to understand that major powers like the United States and Russia will fiercely defend their interests and influence in their respective regions.

The Syrian Conflict

The Syrian conflict is a prime example of realpolitik in action. When the United States, Turkey, and other regional players sought to topple the Assad regime, Russia intervened to protect its long-standing ally. The outcome was a clear demonstration of power politics in action, with Russia successfully propping up Assad despite the efforts of other global players.

The Decline of Liberal Hegemony

The era of liberal hegemony is coming to an end. The rise of China and the resurgence of Russian power have ushered in a new era of great power competition. In this multi-polar world, the United States can no longer pursue a unilateral foreign policy agenda without facing significant challenges from other global powers.

The Trump Administration and the Future of Foreign Policy

The election of Donald Trump marked a significant shift in American foreign policy. His rejection of liberal hegemony and his protectionist stance reflect a growing disillusionment with the previous foreign policy establishment. The rise of China and the resurgence of Russian power have further reinforced the notion that the era of liberal hegemony is coming to an end.

In conclusion, the lessons of history and the realities of power and influence have shown that interventions and the imposition of ideologies on other nations are fraught with peril. The decline of liberal hegemony and the rise of great power competition signal a new era in international relations. It is essential for policymakers to recognize these shifts and adapt to the changing dynamics of global politics.