There are various contemporary challenges that that international relations face today. These challenges affect the different relationship between various states and affect their cohesion. Among the most critical challenge that threatens international relations are neocolonialism and state terror. The implementation of different policies to meet the goals of neocolonialism creates a major challenge in bringing different nations together. Different radical groups threaten peaceful co-existence in different countries across the globe. This to a topic in necessary for study because of the drastic increase in the number of noncombatant casualties that is experienced today because of the consequence of pursuing neocolonialism policies, and the disruption of international bodies like the United Nations Organizations. There is a challenge in enforcing international laws that creates difficulty in achieving the world peace in conjunction with the rampant terror emanating from the different radical group of terrorists. Moreover, there is misinformation and propaganda that advocate for the neutrality of citizens that involved in such acts. Sometimes they are considered to be ignorant and remains in the hands of their local country government which may handle them with favoritism causing the matter to be more oppressive.
Third world nations in history face oppression from the more superior colonialists because the colonialist has more superior army than their colonial state. The superior nations exploit the natural resources in their colonial countries and bring wrangles among the nations. An international relation is only possible through condemning the violation of human rights by different international organizations. All nations under the United Nations body should have a say in making the policies that are applicable in different states under the international body. Application of double standards for a particular nation and violation of the policies through consideration of superiority and a claim to be above the law will lead to an unjust system for international relation globally.
Evolution of this issue has been through the ages. Colonialism was rampant between 16th century up to the middle of 20th century when various Europe countries utilized the resources of in different African Countries, Asia, and the Americas. Establishing colonies and the persecution of the local civilians was a common policy between these centuries. Additionally, imperialism was another issue that contributed to the same goal of oppression (Blanchard, 2015). This issue took long and continued up to 15th – 20th century. There are other examples that can explain the situation though are not significant in this for discussion. These activities were undertaken by the Western Powers, however, during the era of World War II, Japan was also a victim of the practice. Colonialists and imperialists can also be identified by their brutal practices like the British control of India. People were subjected to slavery activities and heavy taxes. French in Northwest of Africa also applied the same oppressive practices. During World War II different nations observed these actions and considered them an inhuman giving way for neocolonialism.
Neocolonialism according to today’s understanding is the practice of more superior countries taking the advantage of their powers to coarse or influence the policies by means instead of military or political action. When it comes to neocolonialism a focus is mainly on the more serious issues. Neocolonialism is more direct that colonialism. This makes public to be vulnerable to propaganda that exempts such actions. It is worth to note that this definition of colonialism involves broader actions although here the concern is on the most egregious. For instance, the provision support of finance and military to the Contras by the Regan governance is a clear illustration of colonialism. The Regan government released money and arms to Contras in their affecting Nicaragua of the United States instead of intervening directly through using their military (Boyd, 2013). This led to the removal of democratically elected government out of power. The implementation of democratic reforms was to in favor of the right-wing government that was to pose an objection to the socialist reign which led to an opposition of the United States in the region. Robinson and Noseworthy identified that the US strategy of waging war against Nicaragua has undergone evolution in its policies were similar. They also observed the intention of Nicaragua on the US. The scorched earth tactics that Contras applied and their frequent terrorist attacks against their targeted civilians were regarded to be less important by the Regan government. This is because they consider morality to be useless in the process of decision making and they only consider the US interest to analyze their decisions.
The behavior of the Reagan government in Nicaragua is essential to bring out a clear indication of the irrelevancy of the life of the Nicaraguan citizens in the US administration. Furthermore, it also outlines the effect of the propaganda campaign launched by Nicaragua to influence the opinion of the Contras in the United States. This campaign was undertaken through speeches, press conferences, and different publications with a declaration that the Contras were the only morally equivalent of the forefathers. This conflict was considered to be a struggle for democracy and against communism. Failure in mentioning the activities of terrorism was an issue that affected the relation of these nations (Chomsky, 2013). Reagan rejected the involvement of the Contras in forced disappearances, extrajudicial assassins, or torture. This was a complete deceptive statement. Terrorism was supported by Americans which was not remarkable inconsideration to the spread of the propaganda on the issue. Most of the Media were also involved in the spreading of the propaganda which advocated for these oppressive activities. The loyal public seems to be the symbol of neocolonialism policy because it is referred to as democracy in cases where the people are aware of the facts behind these acts. They will have the power to reject some of the policies.
Another symbol of neocolonialism is unbridled hypocrisy and international law enforcement only during covenant times and abandoning it when it applies to the allies. The justification of the Chomsky notes was in parts because of the failure of Iraq to adhere to the U.N regulations. Additionally, failure of the U.N to wage war on Iraq was a violation of the international law (Chomsky, 2010). This was unexpected concerning the justifications of the body on the measures taken against such rebellious nations. The United States can bar any security council resolution which is not in line with the policies. These activities created tension among different countries who were feeling oppressed by the policies. The act of favor of some countries created disruption of the international laws affecting relations between different counties.
Some policies in selected nations need a review. There is an indication that almost every county’s citizens apart from the US face sentiments of American exceptionalism. This is regarded as the greatest threat to world peace. All countries should adhere to the international laws and a body should exist that is responsible for taking actions for the nations who are not willing to adhere to the regulations. The United Nation body cannot give members who serve in the Security Council. The general assembly should take responsibility because its members are from different nations and will be able to vet the members before appointing them. Establishment of an International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice can help in making fair decisions among different convicted criminals from different countries who are involved in the violation of the international laws. This will eradicate state terrorism and save many lives lost because of such actions. Different states should not fund terrorist groups. Regardless of the level, such resolutions are made, each country should take an initiative to suppress these groups. The general public should be aware of the situation and give their views on different policies. The idea that the American exceptionalism is final should be changed and the laws to be equally applicable to all countries. It is important to establish a universal truth and a disclosure of cognitive dissonance. A belief in the importance of human life should prevail and general to all individuals regardless of their characteristics.