a benevolent hegemony
I found this article an interesting perspective on world affairs from an Australian perspective. The close ties that the Howard government have forged with the Bush Administration have been touted as the prime achievement of the Man of Steel’s tenure. This article gives some food for thought about the alliance between the US and Australia.
In addition, I thought this comment was thought provoking:
Even more important, while the United States is by historical standards a benevolent hegemony, a hegemony is what it is. Not only is its power vast, but it is concerned to use that power … to create a world in its own image with institutions and rules determined by Washington . . .
While such a world would have many attractions, the attempt to bring it into being will inevitably generate serious opposition and a great deal of strife and conflict. It would be inappropriate and dangerous for a country of Australia’s limited means and interests to associate itself closely with such an enterprise.”
December 21st, 2003 at 9:23 am
It’s downright un-Australian! You’d think as a society that has greatly benefitted from multiculturalism, we would understand that diversity is a good thing.
Despite popular belief Australia has always had a good working relationship with the US - what Howard has done is sacrifice any last scrap of autonomy (read self respect) we had. So I guess we’ll all be learning ‘American’ in our Coke/Starbucks sponsored high schools pretty soon too.