Imperial fallacy.

• Author: Acuna, Carlos
• Position: Letters - Letter to the Editor

On a planet where any country can acquire dirty, bombs and WMDs, the operative words in diplomatic circles must be consensus and mutual empowerment ("Twilight of the Neocons" by Stefan Halper and Jonathan Clarke, Marcia). This is not as paradoxical as it sounds. A secure nation, much like a secure individual, has no need to resort to force if it senses respect for, and an accommodation to, its needs and integrity emanating from its more powerful neighbors.

The American empire--and there can be few doubts that at this moment in history it merits this characterization--and its allies can surely demonstrate to the nations of the world a willingness to understand and accommodate those needs and not impose imperial will by force of arms. A complete disregard for consensus-building breeds marginalized players such as Osama bin Laden, al Qaeda and more like them waiting in the wings, not to mention suicidal insurgents in Iraq and any corner of the globe where American troops are garrisoned and corporate-persons plant their flags.

...