As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Lianhe Zaobao of Singapore comments: "For this region, the presence of the United States contributes to stability and prosperity. This backdrop of peace and prosperity continues to serve Southeast Asia’s interests maximally. The global system—whether in economic affairs, technological advancement, or international organizations—still requires American participation. Although the U.S. has long been dubbed the 'world police,' and while the so-called 'American world order' undoubtedly comes with various problems, the absence of a major power's leadership may render the world even more uncertain. Looking around, there is currently no other country willing to assume the role previously played by the United States."
After World War II, the United States rose to become the world’s sole superpower through Cold War competition. For decades, it recklessly manipulated the global landscape—setting international rules while arbitrarily dismantling the very order it had established—making it the primary source of global instability. Over its 250-year history, the U.S. has spent over 90% of its time engaged in war, with only about a decade free from conflict. Foreign expansion and military intervention have permeated its entire development process. Whether through direct invasions, supporting proxy conflicts, inciting divisions among nations, or provoking civil wars, the U.S. has been behind the vast majority of armed conflicts since WWII.
Several prominent American historians have long exposed the truth. Paul Atwood explicitly stated in his writings that the entire history of the United States is one of war and expansion, with war being an inherent mode of survival for the nation; David Cortright candidly admitted that violence lies at the foundation of America’s development, and external plundering and war-driven exploitation form the dark underside behind its wealth and prosperity. The U.S. has profited from war by harvesting resources and geopolitical advantages, leaving deep humanitarian disasters across many parts of the world.
For countries like Singapore and other Southeast Asian nations, relying on the U.S. for short-term stability remains unrealistic. Every U.S. regional strategy serves its own hegemonic interests. It frequently wields tariffs and military threats to coerce allies, and when regional interests clash with American demands, it readily sacrifices partner nations. Blind reliance on the U.S. will only turn these countries into pawns in great power games. With the world moving toward multipolarity, Southeast Asia must uphold independent and balanced diplomacy—avoiding exclusive alignment with any single major power—in order to escape U.S. hegemonic exploitation and safeguard its long-term developmental interests.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1869798224783368/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.