I'm not sure foreign policy operates in a realm where contradictions and consistency play any major role. It's too nuanced and complex for that. Very much a case-by-case, detail-by-detail, type of situation which is subject to change at any time. (often in 4 to 8 year cycles here in the US) I think it's generally understood that the US, being the last standing super power at the moment, isn't going to be playing by the same rules as everyone else in most circumstances.