Question

Did the United States put itself in a credible position from which to criticize the human practices of other nations?

Answer 1

Depends on which time period you're focusing on.

For example, during the Reagan era, the United States made several notably bad agreements in an effort to promote capitalism during the Cold War (e.g. with the Contras, a Nicaraguan rebel group, and Saddam Hussein).

This trend reflects the United States' value in capitalism and promoting its future by supporting capitalist governments and leaders even if many of them were corrupt or caused human rights violations.

And although America would flip their agreement with Saddam Hussein during the Persian Gulf war, the government has been criticized for supporting him in the beginning, which is reflected among other agreements as well.

If you're focusing in an older or newer context, it may have been different.

Answer 2

Some have argued that this history of human rights abuses undermines the credibility of the United States when it criticizes the human rights practices of other nations. However, others argue that the United States has a moral obligation to speak out against human rights abuses wherever they occur, regardless of its own record. Ultimately, the answer to this question may depend on one's own views on the role of the United States in the world and the importance of human rights.