> More specifically, U.S. foreign policy has more consistently reflected the economic interests of American capital than it has the ideals of republicanism In

> More specifically, U.S. foreign policy has more consistently reflected the economic interests of American capital than it has the ideals of republicanism In my travels to Vietnam and reflecting on recent history there, it’s more clear than ever that nations (not just the US) operate along self interested and power, not principles: - the US alliance with an unpopular dictator in the south to counter communism, against Vietnamese independence (their revolutionary war) - China invading Vietnam (another communist country) with US support after the war to counter soviet influence - both China and the US supporting the pol pot to counter Vietnam - Vietnam once unified begins skirmishes in both China and Cambodia, flexing its newfound military strength If there ever was a principled nation, I’d guess that they are either irrelevant or we’re conquered by a more practical one.