by Tariq Ali

CounterPunch

02/07/05

The United States, unlike the Empires of old Europe has always preferred to excersize its hegemony indirectly. It has relied on local relays -- uniformed despots, corrupt oligarchs, pliant politicians and obedient monarchs -- rather than lengthy occupations and nation-building with carefully-controlled forms of elite, low-intensity democracy. It was only when rebellions from below threatened to disrupt this order that the Marines were dispatched and wars were fought...

http://www.counterpunch.org/ali02072005.html


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp