American Exceptionalism: Cloaking U.S. Imperialism Behind Covert Action

• In Event: 1429 - Informal Discussion Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: Table 2: Sociology In and For the Current Political Climate

Abstract

This Roundtable discussion will explore the secretive and often criminal activities of the U.S. government in its efforts to destabilize democratic processes around the world, and how these activities relate to domestic politics.

It is now more critical than ever to expose such ongoing efforts: efforts that seek to further U.S. geopolitical control. While creating favorable investment climates for U.S. multinational corporations, U.S. goals are invariably masked in the name of “democracy and freedom.” Such interventions, in truth, typically strive to force open so-called market spaces for the exploitation of cheap labor and natural resources while destabilizing efforts to democratize countries both politically and economically.

The Roundtable discussion will cover topics from American exceptionalism, torture, and covert paramilitary operations, to the use of front-organizations like US Agency for International Development and the National Endowment for Democracy—organizations that fund opposition groups that seek to intervene and undermine democratically elected governments.

Authors

• Chris Agee, CUNY/SUNY

• Josh R. Klein, Iona College

• Victoria Gamez, Francisco de Miranda University