Power Corrupts

Famous British historian Lord Acton once said, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” This has been known to be a pattern throughout history. It has been seen from the leaders of empires owned by the Romans and the British to dictators in the Middle East such as Saddham Hussein. Those who have been given power have tried to twist people’s sense of right and wrong into whatever they wish. For this reason, the country that poses the largest threat to North America is America. Power corrupts, after all. And who has more power than the United States? This country is one of the biggest threats to itself and the world because of the power that it holds. Throughout its two hundred thirty year history, it has increased greatly in strength to the point where it has become a world power. It has even helped create an international system in which it has very strong influence. We have become the apex of this system as the lion is the apex of the Serengeti, devouring and killing anything that threatens its power. Our position as the head has allowed us to influence this system while devouring other members to facilitate our own survival and position. For example, the US has been in many military nuances since World War II. Though nuclear weapons were not used, it kept a looming presence that was feared by all. And in all negotiations that we make with other countries, the nuclear option is always another well-known card to play in our hands. Because of the threat we pose to other countries, it is only a matter of time before another power rises in an attempt to keep the US in check. Some would argue that Iran, North Korea, or China would be the primary threat to this country. But this author would contend that any nation-state could not risk open nuclear war with the US because of the assured repercussions. The major groups that pose threats are terrorist groups and splinter cells. By alienating our allies as well as our enemies, we create multiple sources of animosity towards the American way of life. The compounded detestation of the rest of the international system lends itself to activity counter to our cause increasing the possibility that factions will become coalitions that oppose our interests. It is true that this country’s goal is to make the world a safer place, not just to be liked. While the two goals are not mutually exclusive, we must still attempt to make gestures of cooperation and not simply enforce our ideals. The United States and its leaders have been guilty time and time again of the sin of Hubris. Many of our political actions with other countries have the best of intentions. We attempt to guard the world and make it a safe place for everyone. However, we must remember not to let our power and responsibility separate us from the very people that we mean to protect.