3. Protecting Economic Interests
Countries often intervene to safeguard investments and trade routes. During the age of empire, British interventions aimed to protect critical trading posts, ensuring the flow of goods and resources essential for economic prosperity. Similarly, the United States has acted to secure strategic waterways like the Panama Canal, recognizing its vital role in global commerce. In 2025, President Donald Trump advocated for free passage of American ships through both the Panama and Suez canals, emphasizing their importance to U.S. trade and military operations (theguardian.com).
