The United States, since its founding, has had its fair share of enemies ranging from colonial rulers and ideological opponents to terrorist groups and global superpowers.
These adversaries have shaped America’s identity, foreign policy, and military actions. Let’s take a look at 15 of the most significant enemies the U.S. has faced throughout its history.
1. China
China is one of America’s most complex adversaries. While the two countries maintain strong economic ties, relations have grown increasingly strained in recent years.
The U.S. accuses China of cyber espionage, intellectual property theft, unfair trade practices, and political interference.
According to Gallup polls, Americans consistently rank China as their top enemy. The U.S. is also concerned about China’s rising military power, its assertiveness in the South China Sea, and its stance on Taiwan.
2. North Korea
North Korea’s animosity toward the U.S. dates back to the Korean War in the 1950s, where America supported South Korea against the communist North.
Since then, North Korea has remained isolated and hostile, frequently threatening the U.S. with missile tests and nuclear advancements.
The regime’s human rights abuses, provocative military actions, and anti-American propaganda make it one of the most persistent threats to U.S. security in Asia.
3. Iran
Once a key ally, Iran became an adversary after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the U.S.-backed Shah and installed a theocratic regime.
Relations further deteriorated during the U.S. embassy hostage crisis. Since then, Iran’s support for militant groups, pursuit of nuclear weapons, and antagonistic rhetoric have kept tensions high.
Although diplomacy has occasionally eased conflict, mistrust between the two nations remains strong.
4. Iraq
The U.S. and Iraq had a volatile relationship, peaking with the 2003 invasion. The U.S. accused Saddam Hussein’s regime of developing weapons of mass destruction and supporting terrorism claims that were later discredited.
The invasion led to years of conflict, loss of lives, and regional instability. Today, while the U.S. and Iraq maintain a cooperative relationship, the war’s legacy continues to shape perceptions of American foreign policy.
5. Russia
From the Cold War era to the present, Russia has been a formidable U.S. rival. The Soviet Union and the U.S. engaged in a decades-long ideological and military standoff that included proxy wars, nuclear arms races, and space competition.
Though tensions briefly eased after the USSR’s collapse, they’ve resurged under Vladimir Putin especially with Russia’s annexation of Crimea, interference in U.S. elections, and the invasion of Ukraine.
6. The Taliban
The Taliban came to power in Afghanistan in the 1990s and provided safe haven to al-Qaeda, the group responsible for the 9/11 attacks.
The U.S. invaded Afghanistan in 2001 to dismantle al-Qaeda and overthrow the Taliban. After 20 years of war, the U.S. withdrew in 2021, and the Taliban regained control.
While no longer considered the top threat, the Taliban remains an ideological adversary with deep anti-American sentiment.
7. Mexico
Though now a close economic and political partner, Mexico was once an enemy during the 1846–1848 Mexican-American War.
The U.S. sought to expand its territory westward, and the war resulted in the U.S. acquiring large parts of the Southwest.
While the war is long over, the historical conflict played a major role in shaping the U.S.-Mexico border and left lasting impacts on both nations.
8. Native Americans
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Native American tribes were viewed by the U.S. government as obstacles to westward expansion.
As settlers pushed west, they clashed with indigenous nations in a series of brutal conflicts. These wars often ended in forced removals, broken treaties, and devastating losses for Native populations.
Today, Native Americans are no longer enemies but sovereign nations within the U.S. with rich cultural heritage.
9. Great Britain
The United States was born out of conflict with Great Britain. The Revolutionary War (1775–1783) was a fight for independence against British colonial rule.
Though most colonists were once British citizens, they took up arms for freedom. Later, during the War of 1812, tensions reignited.
Despite this turbulent beginning, the U.S. and the U.K. are now strong allies and cultural partners.
10. Japan
During World War II, Japan was one of America’s most formidable enemies. The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 brought the U.S. into the war.
The conflict in the Pacific was intense, culminating in the U.S. dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Japan surrendered in 1945, and the two countries have since rebuilt ties, becoming close economic and strategic allies.
11. Germany
Germany was a central adversary in both World War I and World War II. Under the leadership of the Nazi regime, Germany posed a dire threat to global security and committed atrocities that led to global condemnation.
After the war, West Germany aligned with the West while East Germany fell under Soviet influence. Following reunification, modern Germany is now a staunch U.S. ally and NATO partner.
12. Venezuela
Under Hugo Chávez and his successor Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela has had increasingly hostile relations with the U.S.
The U.S. has accused Venezuela of human rights violations, election rigging, and authoritarian rule.
Sanctions and political pressure have strained relations, and while parts of the Venezuelan opposition work with the U.S., the Maduro government often frames America as a villain in its domestic propaganda.
13. Cuba
Cuba was once a key trading partner, but after the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro, the U.S. imposed a trade embargo and cut diplomatic ties.
Events like the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis made Cuba a Cold War flashpoint.
Though relations improved slightly under President Obama, they remain tense due to ideological differences and ongoing sanctions.
14. Syria
U.S.-Syria relations have fluctuated since the mid-20th century. After a period of cooperation, Syria’s support for militant groups and its authoritarian government led to U.S. sanctions.
The ongoing Syrian civil war and the regime’s alignment with Iran and Russia have further soured ties.
The U.S. has also conducted military operations in Syria against ISIS and other extremist groups.
15. Algeria
Algeria was one of America’s earliest enemies during the Barbary Wars in the early 1800s. North African pirates, supported by the rulers of Algeria and other Barbary States, targeted American ships.
Without British naval protection, the young U.S. had to build its own navy and confront the pirates directly.
These wars were critical in establishing America’s naval presence and international standing.
Alicia Richards