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Now look at the ideology of American supremacy. It has a solid foundation in reality; namely, the United States is the dominant power in the world. The current government believes the United States ought to use this dominant position to impose its will on the world. That is the misconception. This approach is not what made America great. America did not arrive at its dominant position by imposing its will on the world.

George Soros#40

Foreign policyDiplomacyPowerGeopolitics

About this quote

What does it mean?
The quote challenges the idea that the US should impose its will globally due to its dominance, arguing that imposition is not what made America great.
In plain terms
Being powerful does not mean you should force your will on others.
What can you take from it?
Do not confuse dominance with moral right to impose will.

Where it applies

  • international relations
  • policy critique
  • historical analysis

Putting it to work

  • evaluate foreign intervention
  • assess global power

Questions to consider

  • When is intervention justified?
  • Does power bring responsibility?

Another view

Some argue that imposing values can sometimes prevent greater harm.

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