Third, from Panama. Pledging allegiance to the US will not protect you. Trump's threat to invade Panama shows they will not hesitate to violate the sovereignty of their own allies. NB., the US invaded Panama in 1989 to remove a president who was a literal US asset, once he became inconvenient.

Second, regarding sanctions. Dependence on trade with the US, on finance from the US, and on US financial systems, is extremely risky. States in this position are vulnerable to being crushed by US sanctions at any time. More than 60% of all developing countries are now under US sanctions.

First, from Palestine. The US and its Western allies do not care about human rights and international law when it comes to the South. They are willing to inflict apocalyptic, genocidal violence if it serves their material interests, and they will do so with impunity. See also: Iraq, Libya, etc.

You may be interested in this discussion I had with Steve at Real Progressives recently. We talk about class, the PMC and other matters.