No Third Alternative Between Right and Wrong

Today on the main weblog we look at The "Third Force" That Never Works. After World War II the United States went into colonial countries in Africa and Asia to support pro-independence forces in competition with the Soviet Union that was doing the same but supporting socialist/communist revolutionary elements. However, because of ideological bigotry against monarchy the U.S. rejected the legitimate, traditional leaders of these countries and always looked for a 'third alternative' which invariably resulted in splitting the anti-communist opposition and allowing the communists to win. This was a totally different approach from that taken by the Empire of Japan that always supported traditional, legitimate local authorities wherever possible. It must also be said that the action taken by the United States in East Asia was also often tainted by post-war anti-Japanese sentiment that prevented the best course of action from being taken. How many lives could have been saved if the Allies has supported maintaining the Qing Emperor in Manchukuo, Prince Phetsarath in Laos or Emperor Bao Dai in Vietnam? However, the U.S. refused to have anything to do with any traditional figure who had anything to do with an imperial power whether British, French, Dutch or Japanese. The result was to make it harder for the anti-communist forces and the policy did not serve America well.