Statement - American Imperialism (US)

Imperialism, including US imperialism, is not just about having more money and benefits by performing (military) actions. Above all, it is about having power and control over as much as possible.

Since World War II, the United States (US) has dominated the world, not only in films and music, but also militarily. And more importantly, they actually control global money flows. A very large part of international trade is paid with US dollars, including in the oil market. This is very good for the stability of the US dollar and therefore good for the North American country's economy. The US would like to keep it that way.

Countries that go against this, for instance by selling oil in another currency, pay a high price for it. Think of the invasion of Iraq in 2003, after the country decides to start selling oil in Euros, the US bombing of Libya in 2011 when the country starts trading oil in the Dinar. But also the U.S. hostage-taking of Maduro early this year after Venezuela decided to offer oil in the Chinese Yuan on the market.

With the rise of other (non-Western) countries and the emergence of new alliances, US dominance is coming under increasing pressure. The US is trying to do all it can to maintain its power and influence. Donald Trump is even signalling that he is only going to stick to his own ‘moral’ compass. A compass with only one direction, better deals for the US, with all its consequences.

The Netherlands says it stands for protecting democracy and international human rights. If the Netherlands wants to maintain its credibility in this area, we must put pressure on the United States right now, for example by:

• Support international opposition to the United States;
• Accede to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons;
• US trade and oil ships not to dock in Dutch ports;
• Move economic support to countries in the Global South away from the IMF and World Bank to other organisations and cash flows;
• Not participating in the World Cup.