Even if you don't care about humanitarian causes, all of this stuff that's been axed directly contributed to US soft power, globally. That's all in the past now, though, and the US is declining as a global power as a result (of that, and many other actions this administration has taken).

That’s fine. We don’t need global powers and all this hegemony. America should stay out of other people’s business. Many people have been saying that for a long time. Iran war etc is obviously some fubar bullshit but otherwise, it’s not for us to tell the Africans how to live their lives or the Russians and Ukrainians how to figure out things. That’s their business, not ours. And I hope we stay out of it.

Soft power is useless. All it got us is a bunch of old Americans scammed in 419 from Nigeria. Who gives a fuck.

China shows the right path. No PEPFAR, no Iran, no Ukraine, just mind own business. For decades, everyone has told us to get out of other people’s business. I can understand if they criticize Iran etc but ending PEPFAR is about getting out of other people’s business. Notice how despite China causing COVID-19 directly and being told they were going to do it no one dared even say “China drives…”.

That’s the power we should strive to have. Not this soft power bullshit. Who wants soft power. It’s like “thoughtfulness”. It’s a compliment for people without a more worthwhile trait to name. Is he smart? Is he upright? Is he wise? Is he kind? Is he attractive? No…he’s uhh… thoughtful