History Memes

Explanation: For those who are unaware, during the 1950s-1980s, the USA and USSR engaged in what is generally called the Cold War wherein both sides played very 'ugly' games of realpolitik, even by the already-low moral standards of international politics, in order to make sure that as many countries were ruled by "Good Tribe" and against "Bad Tribe" as possible.

Both the USA and USSR claimed to be fighting for democracy. The USA's claim had more validity at first glance, as the USSR was a single-party state which ran mostly single-candidate elections; while the US, for all of its flaws, did run elections with genuine competition. However, in terms of affecting foreign affair policy, this had only a small effect at best. The USA was largely happy to support brutal, genocidal dictators who scoffed at the notion of elections, just as the USSR was.

Was it in Cuba's interest to help stop Apartheid in South Africa by fighting in Angola?

It's a privilege to even consider the moral framework in which a country's government operates. All animal life is more used to brutality and domination over diplomacy. The risk in OP's arguments - and the modern left generally - is that we expect moral perfection of government. We can see and imagine an idealistic "Star Trek" future, and it makes perfect sense to you and me, but it's not the current reality. In order to continue progressing, we have to slow down and examine the primal drives of conservatism. These impulses will tear down any and all system if it no longer helps conservative-leaning people feel safe and secure in a changing existence.