America’s position in the global sphere is unquestionably that of top dog. Even though recent events have greatly weakened its power economically, politically, militarily and even culturally, it remains the strongest single nation on this planet by any conventional measure. So how America treats the world is vitally important to how the world will function, and especially as America tries to assert itself as the sole superpower before a possible return to multi-polarity in the middle of this century. There are some general guidelines which can be used to both explain and predict American behavior in certain regions of the world.
North America: America tends to treat Canada and Mexico fairly well. However, the Central American and especially the Caribbean countries are treated the same as the South American countries.
South America: Countries in this region are still somewhat subjected to the Monroe Doctrine and the Roosevelt Corollary, though not as much in recent times. However, the perception is that the United States will tend to try and interfere in the events of this region. The debate over CAFTA and a Colombian free trade agreement highlight this. America feels that this area of the world is primarily useful for promoting its own economic gains for its countries, and that the antagonism that has resulted from this region is unjustified.
Europe (Western and Central): Countries in this region are generally respected and are treated as near-equals by the United States in terms of geopolitical actions.
Europe (Eastern): Some antagonism still exists between the US and Eastern Europe, though in recent times this conflict has greatly subsided. The main disagreements between America and this region come in the form of corruption and human rights, issues which the US attempts to always bring up but never truly get resolved.
Middle East: Post 9-11, the three criteria by which the US will treat a country in this region depend on the nation’s support of terrorism, its oil supplies, and how repressive the country is to its own people. Generally speaking, if a nation’s actions in this region are likely to affect oil supplies, the US moves to mitigate that risk. Addition actions include pursuing terrorism and promotion reform and democratic values. Generally, the order is to assure oil supplies, hunt down terrorists and then spread American values.
Africa: Northern Africa follows the rules of the Middle East. Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the few places where American policy has generally been positive. However, this region is also where America has committed the fewest military actions, and of those actions there have been some spectacular failures (see, for example, Somalia). Generally, the US prefers to simply send huge amounts of aid to this region for the alleviation of poverty, and relations are what could be considered the noblest between America and the nations of this region.
Asia: America’s policy in this region has been to take advantage of the rising economic power of this continent while attempting to push for human rights. On the former count it has been wildly successful, but on the latter count it has a mixed record.
Oceania and Australia: Much of this region is treated the same as if it were part of Western or Central Europe.
