Criticism of the United States government

Criticism of the United States government encompasses a wide range of sentiments about the actions and policies of the United States. Historically, domestic and international criticism of the United States has been driven by its embracement of classical economics, manifest destiny, hemispheric exclusion and exploitation of the Global South, military intervention, and alleged practice of neocolonialism, with its unipolar global position giving it a special responsibility which many feel is misused purely for self-gain, in contradiction with the beliefs and values of American people. This perpetuates negative sentiment towards the US and fuels criticism which is pervasive around the world.

Over the past two centuries, through various phases of isolationism and interventionism, the U.S. has responded to both internal pressures and external regional and global dynamics. Scholars often discuss the inconsistencies and contradictions that have led to harsh critiques from allies and others, both domestically and internationally. However, a consistent theme in U.S. government policy, as with all nations, is that it is primarily driven by domestic forces. Criticism has been directed at the competence of its leaders, perceived corruption, and its foreign policy.