The questions of US imperialism, economic hegemony and corporate control of the world’s resources are the subject of massive popular discussion in a time of escalating conflict, inequality and deepening economic recession. Following the mass public mobilisation during the Obama election campaign, the US government is placed in a role of critical responsibility and must now lead the way in fostering greater international cooperation.
After his first year in office, many commentators suggest that President Obama has fallen short of achieving a progressive agenda for change. Three reviews explore the performance of the US administration in economic, social and foreign policy.
Following the financial crash of 2008, the US media focused
on a devastated middle class forced into poverty. No one reported on the
millions of poor already living in an economic system that takes sustained human
suffering as a given, write Katie Beran and Celine-Marie Pascale.
As well as creating an existential threat to life on the planet, rapidly accelerating climate change is a security challenge.
Yet US security spending continues to be overwhelmingly concentrated on
the tools of military force, rather than reducing carbon emissions, says a report by Miriam Pemberton.
Critics
of US foreign policy have long dismantled the arguments made
for maintaining a global system of military basing. Despite all evidence of the major injustice they represent, Barack Obama shows no sign of scaling back the US military presence in the world, says Catherine Lutz.
When the financial crisis is over, the reputation of US-style market economics will have lost much credibility - not least because Washington does not always practice what it preaches. Disillusioned
developing countries may well turn their backs on the free market ideal, says Joseph E. Stiglitz.
For the openly imperial Barack Obama draped in the rebel's clothing of Dr. Luther King, the 'peace dividend' is no priority. Yet the need for a peace dividend is more urgent than ever, and requires nothing less than the reconstruction of society itself, says Paul Street.
Hunger and homlessness levels have risen in the US during 2008. Communities need urgent assistance from government to help expand efforts to end
homelessness and provide resources for housing, says a new report by The US Conference of Mayors.
