[pigsty]

I don’t think people in central and South America, Vietnam, the Middle East, and so on were happy when diplomacy and coalitions were built against them to instate dictatorships and/or kill millions.

America satisfies its allies. Those Allies are happy to be the enemies of China and Russia for financial benefits and some border protection . Who, despite your comment, do build consensus with their allies and they’re content with being enemies of the US also in exchange for financial benefits and border protection. All 3 countries have their own spheres of influence and all 3 project themselves to be heroes while one of the others is a villain at all times.

The OP is right here—jingoism on HN because of a balloon is something beyond what is normal here.

[mlindner]

You didn't respond to their post in any way. The comment was about rules-based international orders.

[pigsty]

Rules being what their allies agree on. Each of those countries get a bunch of allies who readily say what they’re doing is just while their opposing country isn’t following any sort of international protocol.