Newsweek's 'Allies': Unpacking the 'Special Relationship' Black Box
Newsweek's list, featuring usual suspects like Israel and South Korea, paints a picture of benevolent strategic partnerships. What they gloss over, however, is the asymmetrical nature of some of these relationships, particularly with Israel. For instance, the US has provided Israel with more cumulative foreign aid than any other country since WWII, totaling over $158 billion (USAID & Department of
State FY2023 Congressional Budget Justification). This isn't just about 'alliance'; it's about subsidizing specific geopolitical agendas, often at the expense of regional stability and human rights. We might wonder why a nation with a GDP per capita comparable to many Western European countries (IMF, 2023) still requires such unprecedented military and economic lifelines from American taxpayers.
Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that organizations like AIPAC have spent over $17.6 million in federal lobbying since 1990, alongside millions more in campaign contributions (OpenSecrets.org), ensuring legislative priorities align with Israeli interests. Newsweek calls them 'allies'; some might call them strategic burdens, bought and paid for.