With the US presidential elections around the corner, emanating voices from the US intelligence bureau point toward Russian, Chinese or Iranian influence in the election polls. With the FBI negating the possibility of Russian influence, calling it “drumbeats of misinformation”, it is apparent that intervention in American affairs have been part and parcel of global politics. However, the US intelligence have alleged the interference of Russia in 2016 US presidential elections to outwit the chances of democratic candidate Hilary Clinton to assume presidency. From the Cold War era, both the democratic and the authoritarian regimes were engaged in the spread of propaganda and psychological warfare in order to discredit one other.
It is ironic that the US setting the stage for liberal democracy has been criticised for interfering in the politics of other states that many in the US establishment are blaming the foreign rivals for doing. In the developing world, the US has backed and supported undemocratic regimes and monarchies by deploying dictators in other states. From the ouster of Muhammad Mosaddegh’s elected government in Iran to supporting the monarchies in the Middle East as well as dictators in Africa, Latin America and Asia, the US has a long and unprecedented history of flouting international laws.
Even though such claims appear to be unsavory and marred with controversies, it is undeniable that nations throughout history have been meddling in the affairs of others, thus challenging the principle of sovereignty and state immunity.
Hadia Mukhtar
Karachi
