By Dr. Shea Howell, re-posted from the Boggs Center (above)

Relationships around the globe are shifting rapidly. These shifts are not because of Donald Trump.  Although his policies are likely to make things worse for everyone, the reality is that the American Empire is declining.  All the bluster over tariffs  and territorial expansion from Greenland to Gaza will not restore it. The ability of the U.S.A. to dominate others has been diminished by economic and political realities far beyond this current administration.  Whatever moral influence we represented was lost long ago. The cruel ending of humanitarian aid is the latest act of a country that has given up all sense of compassion.

The US Empire emerged out of the devastation of WWII. With the industries of Europe and Japan destroyed, US manufacturing, strengthened by war, dominated the production of consumer goods. People drove US cars, listened to US radios, watched US TVs, depended on US refrigerators, washing machines, lamps and gadgets of all sorts. Movies made in the USA entertained audiences everywhere. But gradually, industries in Europe and Japan rebuilt. And more importantly, manufacturing industries left the USA. Following the logic of capitalist production, companies pursued lower wages and weak environmental controls. And nations began to organize in their own interests.

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