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The Issues

Pax Americana

David Gamez thinks we need to revise the theory of Just Wars to say when it is and when it isn’t permissible to impose utopia by force.

America is utopia achieved and the American way of life is famous the world over. Who wouldn’t want to take a hit, pack a gun and chips and cruise a Chevy down Route 66? The sprawling suburbs with their green green grass; a land of wealth and opportunity; freedom and democracy; a wise and benevolent leader. The Americans have it all and everyone in the world wants it. Many Mexicans drown every year with their cold clutching fingers stretching out towards ‘First World’ happiness.

On the face of it, the spread of America across the world (by force, propaganda and cultural and meaty merchandise) should be a good thing.

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