The United States of America has long been known for its championing of democracy and human rights around the world, writes Barun Gupta. However, America's foreign policy has a darker side that is frequently overlooked.

The United States of America took a number of covert actions throughout the world during the Cold War, frequently in direct opposition to the very ideals it professed to uphold. While publicly denouncing the Soviet Union for its human rights abuses and lack of transparency, the US engaged in covert actions that were just as nefarious, if not more so. In the cause of advancing its own perceived interests, the US subtly interfered in the affairs of other nations, overthrowing democratically elected leaders and funding barbaric regimes.

Those who have suffered as a result of these actions are well aware of the irony of this hypocrisy. Today, as conflicts continue to rage in places like the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, it is worth examining the legacy of America's Cold War interventions and considering how they continue to shape global politics today. Scrutiny of the hypocrisy of the US may hold lessons for policymakers and citizens alike.

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We still have some "skin in the game" but EU rules are changing

AN EU CONSULTATION

On 18 May 2022, the European Commission published a Communication analysing, at the request of the Council, deficits in defence investment and possible remedies to overcome them. (https://tinyurl.com/24w4zudk)

In April 2023 the Eurodefense Network sent its views to the Commission. It concluded that there is a pressing need for Europeans to better work together, especially at a time when military spending is set to increase sharply in response to the war in Ukraine.

Despite Brexit, the UK still has "skin in the game" if it allows reality and expediency to be part of its political relationships.

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