Is this coming from the same person who thinks that diplomacy and not war is the answer to world development? Tell ya what, I'll explain a bit. You see, when a country "plays ball" with the US, that means we have diplomatic and economic ties. With those ties, the West is provided an in-road, if you will, towards the COMMERCIALIZATION of those countries. Of course, we expect most countries to COMMERCIALIZE slowly, as we prod them along with the various tools in the diplomatic toolbox. Now, countries that are not willing to "play ball" with the West must be dealt with in other ways (sanctions, etc).
Now that you are aware of the many tools in the diplomatic toolbox and the role of context and priorities in the decision making process, you should be capable of grasping how these considerations result in various policies enacted towards various countries.
It is not only absolutism, but gravely ignorant absolutism. To pretend that every country should be treated exactly the same, as if any two countries are exactly the same, is a most unfortunate and, frankly, blind method of diplomacy.
ps. I don't believe in altruism. I do what I do because it helps me sleep better.