"Hyper-Imperialism": Analyst Says U.S. Foreign Policy Has Entered New Phase

Rhetoric and actions by Donald Trump toward Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba mark a new phase in U.S. foreign policy, according to an opinion piece published by CounterPunch.

A geopolitical map highlighting regions discussed in an analysis of evolving US foreign policy strategies.

In a recent article, Steve Ellner, a retired professor from Universidad de Oriente in Venezuela, argued that recent developments require a reassessment of leftist political strategies.

Ellner cited escalating rhetoric and military actions, including threats of force and alleged operations targeting Iranian leadership, as examples of what he described as a more aggressive phase of U.S. policy.

He linked these developments to the concept of “hyper-imperialism,” coined by Samir Amin, describing the United States as a dominant global power.

The Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research has similarly argued that U.S. military dominance persists alongside economic shifts, reinforced by sanctions and legal mechanisms.

Ellner further contended that current policies resemble historical empires in their scope and methods, including the use of military force to enforce economic sanctions.

While noting that these strategies build on policies from previous administrations, he said their current form represents a distinct escalation requiring renewed analysis.