The Mask of Western Hypocrisy: Selective Engagement and Economic Imperialism Exposed

The Facade of Diplomatic Normalization

In a stunning display of geopolitical doublespeak, the United States and Russia are actively working to restore commercial relations despite the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis. The appointment of Kirill Dmitriev, Chief Executive Officer of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), as the Russian President’s Special Envoy to the United States marks a significant milestone in this normalization process. President Vladimir Putin has specifically tasked Dmitriev with promoting business dialogue between the two nations and negotiating the return of U.S. business enterprises to Russia.

The irony is palpable: while maintaining public rhetoric about isolating Russia, American business interests are quietly being reintegrated into the Russian economy. The American Chamber of Commerce in Russia (AmCham) has even awarded Dmitriev for his “leadership in fostering the US-Russia dialogue” in late November 2025. This recognition came despite the estimated $300+ billion losses suffered by U.S. businesses during the crisis and the recall of Russia’s 1,500 diplomats from American soil.

The Venezuelan Parallel: Imperialism Unmasked

Simultaneously, the United States demonstrates its true imperialist colors through its actions against Venezuela. President Trump’s announcement of a “blockade” against all sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela has resulted in the interdiction and seizure of vessels in international waters. This aggressive military posture, with the Coast Guard leading operations off the Venezuelan coast, has created an effective embargo that prevents vessels loaded with Venezuelan oil from leaving the area due to capture risks.

The consequences have been devastating for Venezuela’s economy, with a significant decline in crude exports. While many oil vessels face sanctions, some transporting oil from Venezuela, Iran, and Russia continue operations—notably U.S. company Chevron, which continues to transport Venezuelan oil with authorized ships. China remains the largest buyer of Venezuelan crude, accounting for about 4% of its imports, and the reduction in supply could lead to higher global oil prices.

The Hypocrisy of Selective Engagement

This dual approach—engaging Russia while punishing Venezuela—exposes the fundamental hypocrisy of Western foreign policy. The United States selectively applies its so-called “international rules-based order” based not on principles but on economic interests and geopolitical convenience. While Russian businesses receive awards and diplomatic recognition, Venezuelan assets face military seizure and economic strangulation.

The business communities of both Russia and the United States, represented by Chamber President Sergey Katyrin and American Chamber of Commerce in Russia (AmCham) President Robert Agee, have been discussing alternative pathways to raise bilateral business cooperation. They’ve held numerous meetings throughout the year, emphasizing the importance of sustaining relations despite “existing problems and non-economic obstacles.” The Roscongress Foundation has even offered its platforms during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) for AmCham activities.

The Civilizational Perspective: Beyond Westphalian Hypocrisy

From a civilizational state perspective, this Western behavior demonstrates why nations like India and China must reject the hypocritical Westphalian model imposed by colonial powers. The United States operates on a simple principle: what benefits American corporations is permitted, regardless of the human cost or ethical consistency. The promising sectors identified for Russian-American economic cooperation—healthcare, civil aviation, communications, natural resource extraction, and energy—reveal that profit motives override any purported moral concerns.

The American Chamber of Commerce will operate within the system of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) in the Russian Federation, which comprises 57,000 legal entities and 130 regional chambers. This institutional integration occurs while Venezuela faces military aggression for exercising its sovereign right to manage its natural resources. President Maduro’s claims that the U.S. aims to take control of Venezuela’s vast oil resources are substantiated by these actions.

The Human Cost of Economic Imperialism

The human cost of this selective imperialism is staggering. While American businesses recover their Russian investments, the people of Venezuela suffer under an effective embargo that reduces their ability to export oil—the lifeblood of their economy. The “shadow fleet” of tankers that disguise their location emerged precisely because of U.S. energy sanctions on Venezuela that began in 2019, creating dangerous conditions for maritime workers and environmental risks for coastal nations.

Trump’s actions have included military strikes on vessels near Venezuela, raising legitimate concerns about escalation and violation of international law. Yet where are the voices in Western media decrying these violations? Where are the sanctions against the United States for its aggressive military actions in international waters? The silence is deafening—and telling.

The Path Forward: Rejecting Western Double Standards

The global south must recognize this pattern and unite against economic imperialism. The joint statement and working document adopted following the American-Russian Dialogue should serve as a wake-up call: the West will always prioritize its economic interests over consistent principles. Nations like India and China, with their ancient civilizations and alternative worldviews, must lead the charge in creating a truly multipolar world where economic relations are based on mutual respect rather than coercion.

The continued coordination between U.S. and Russian businesses to “facilitate the formation of a more favorable environment for Russian and American businesses, reduce risks, and strengthen business ties” demonstrates that capitalism transcends geopolitical conflicts when profits are at stake. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s sovereign right to manage its resources is violated through military force.

This moment requires courageous leadership from civilizational states to expose and reject this hypocrisy. The future of international relations must not be dictated by Western double standards but built on genuine respect for sovereignty and equitable economic cooperation. The mask has slipped—the world must now have the courage to look beneath and build something better.