[binarray2000]

> Each country has a duty to protect its own interests; they also have a duty to promote and support its own intersts

There are very few countries on the Earth that can withstand the pressure (political, economic, intelligence, military) of the hegemon which, again, under the guise of "free trade" pushes his own imperial interests. And those countries are immediately called an "enemy" to the "free world" (euphemism for "US and its vasals NATO and EU"). So, the "international community" (another euphemism for "US and its vasals NATO and EU") has to sanction such a country - applying political and economic pressure. If it's militarly weak, to bomb it - applying intelligence and military pressure, as well. In case you don't know which countries I am talking about, just open your warmongering media - warmongering, as they didn't oppose any war of the empire.

Because of all of this, countries cave in and accept being exploited just to avoid the worst. No matter if is is a mobile phone or gas pipeline.

I'll end with a quote from a former free thinking German politician about how USA enforces its interests: "The manner of thought that takes into regard solely its own interests can only be referred to as totalitarian."

[setr]

>And if the US has an lucky, unfair hand, it would be irresponsible and downright stupid to not make use of it.

The US should be trying to enforce its politics onto other countries, if it benefits itself; in this model, it is the failure of other countries to not find a way to defend themselves (ie by grouping together and forming the EU).

Again, it would be stupid for the US to not pursue its interests; there may be humanitarian and moral conflicts that stop or hamper its pursuit, but the pursuit itself is perfectly justified.

China should protect its own interests, as should the US, as should Germany; and all them should support their own interests

[binarray2000]

USA, in most cases, doesn't have "an lucky, unfair hand" but it uses its muscles (political, economic, intelligence, military pressure) to force other countries to submit to US interests.

Yes, it is normal that every country wants to protect its interests, but not at the expense of others! And by using the above mentioned pressure, USA bullies others to take a hit for its interests. Two examples:

(1) Biden regarding the countries who weren’t willing to impose sanctions on Russia over Ukraine: “Alot of us had to rally the world’s major economic countries to impose real cost on Russia. It is true they did not want to do that, but again, it was America’s leadership and the president of the United States insisting, oft times almost having to embarrass Europe to stand up and take economic hits to impose costs on Russia.”

https://youtu.be/D0zC4cxzszQ

(Remember, these are alleged US partners - major NATO and EU members - he's taking about.)

(2) A few days ago, US threatened to sanction European firms involved in Russian gas pipeline project for Europe called North Stream 2. US wants European countries to buy its gas instead of the Russian cheaper one. (US gas is transported by ships and it is much more expensive)