"A world in which others controlled the course of their own development, would be a world in which the American system would be seriously endangered"

Benjamin Cohen's quote highlights the deeply linked relationships between international structures of power, financial systems, and national security interests. In this statement, Cohen is discussing the geopolitical and financial paradigms that characterized much of the 20th century, especially throughout the Cold War, when the balance of power was a central focus for the United States and its allies.

"A world in which others controlled the course of their own development" suggests a circumstance where countries worldwide pick their own economic and political systems without considerable influence or intervention from dominant powers like the United States. Historically, the American system has actually been connected with the promo of capitalism, free markets, and democratic governance. The implication here is that if nations were to establish separately, potentially accepting alternative systems such as socialism or communism, this might position a danger to the dominance of American ideologies and economic interests.

The phrase "would be a world in which the American system would be seriously endangered" highlights a fear widespread throughout periods of extreme ideological conflict. If countries align themselves with systems that diverge significantly from that of the U.S., it might weaken American economic interests, diminish its political impact internationally, and challenge its strategic security arrangements. This was a critical concern throughout the Cold War period, when the spread of communism was seen as a direct risk to U.S. interests.

Moreover, Cohen's statement shows the historic context of American diplomacy, which typically included supporting programs that aligned with U.S. interests, economically or politically, in some cases at the expense of global self-determination. The dangers for America, as Cohen indicates, are not merely financial however reach ideological difficulties that could improve international loyalties and alliances, posing a more comprehensive danger to global stability as defined by American interests.

In essence, the quote calls attention to America's perception of global hegemony and the lengths to which it might go to protect its system and neutralize existential dangers from divergent international developments.