
Vikrant Singh Shekhawat
- India,
- 12-Feb-2025,
US Political Influence: Recently, a sensational claim by former US State Department official Mike Benz has created a stir in international politics. According to a Times of India report, Benz has alleged that the US used strategies such as media influence, social media censorship and financial aid to opposition movements to influence the politics of various countries. This claim highlights the seriousness of foreign interference in the politics of many countries including India and Bangladesh.Political controversy arising from Benz's claimAmidst the already ongoing controversies regarding USAID, Benz's claim has sparked a new debate. According to him, the US spent huge amounts of money in this interference, especially to influence India's 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He alleges that the US pressured major social media companies such as Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Twitter to ban pro-Modi content.USAID, an independent body of the US government, works to provide economic and humanitarian assistance in developing countries. But Benz claims that this institution has been used for political purposes many times, interfering in the internal politics of various countries.Impact on India's neighboring countriesThe recent history of political instability in India's neighboring countries also gives further strength to Benz's claims. Power changes in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have taken place under dramatic circumstances in the last few years. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party fell short of an absolute majority for the first time, further strengthening the fears of foreign interference. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey had also accused USAID of providing financial assistance to divisive organizations in India, and Benz's claim has given new ground to these allegations.Impact on global politics and future challengesAfter Benz's statement, questions have started arising as to what is the real objective of America's foreign policy and whether it is really to promote democratic values тАЛтАЛтАЛтАЛor to gain specific political benefits. In a democratic country like India, where fairness and transparency of elections are extremely important, such allegations are a matter of serious concern.The Indian government and other affected countries will now have to investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that their electoral and political processes remain free from external interference.ConclusionThis claim by Mike Benz has given rise to a new debate in global politics. This incident has become a matter of introspection not only for India but also for many other countries. In the coming times, it will be important to see what steps India and other democratic countries take to stop such external interference and how their sovereignty is protected.
I foretold all of this in a prophecy to India long ago ЁЯФо https://t.co/oi8dqrZQma pic.twitter.com/9bJx2t7BGK
тАФ Mike Benz (@MikeBenzCyber) February 11, 2025