Why is the U.S. Always at War?
The United States is the most powerful and feared nation in the world. For over two centuries, the U.S. has been involved in numerous military conflicts, both at home and abroad. From its own Civil War to conflicts in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and beyond, it seems that the U.S. is always at war.
Historical Legacy
The Early Years: From its inception, the U.S. was conceived in violence and bloodshed. The American Revolution against Britain was fought with brutality, and the country was formed through the forced expulsion or massacre of Native Americans, African Americans, and Mexican Americans. This blood-stained foundation has continued to influence U.S. military aggression throughout its history.
Expansionism: Following its independence, the U.S. embarked on an unprecedented expansionist policy, violently displacing Native Americans from their lands, colonizing Hawaii, and forcing its way into Latin American and Asian territories. The drive for expansion and acquisition of resources has been a hallmark of U.S. military engagement.
The U.S. Empire: Following the end of World War II, the U.S. emerged as the supreme military power, with unmatched air, land, and naval capabilities. This ‘sole superpower’ position granted the U.S. unwarranted authority, justifying military interventions as means to maintain global balance, protect national interests, or spread democracy.
National Security State
**The MIC: A $1.4 Trillion Industry
The modern military-industrial complex, known as the MIC, was born during World War II. This behemoth feeds on war, churning out an astonishing amount of weaponry, technology, and infrastructure. The global War on Terror has swelled the MIC’s ranks and coffers, feeding into a cycle of ever-more sophisticated, expensive military endeavors.
| Segment of the MIC | Annual Budget (2018) |
|---|---|
| Research & Development | $62 billion |
| Procurement and Operations | $115 billion |
| Personnel, Retirements, & Education | $150 billion |
| Total | $327 billion |
This massive investment has anointed the U.S. the world’s leading war producer, with an unfettered capacity to inflict catastrophic damage. The ever-increasing costs of keeping pace with emerging technologies ensure continuous growth and perpetuity within the MIC.
**The Impact on Society and Economy**
Incessant wars exact devastating humanitarian tolls, decimating entire nations, forcing civilian populations to flee their homes, and leaving destruction, poverty, and uncertainty in their wake. Such crises often create fertile grounds for terrorism, extremism, and political instability.
| Casualties & Refugees | Damaged/ Destroyed Infrastructure | Environment Pollution |
|---|---|---|
| 250,000+ civilians (Syria) | 3/4 of cities razed (Yemen) | Crop failures, diseases spread (Afghanistan) |
| 1 million+ Iraqi orphans (Iraq War) | 80% damaged hospitals (Libya) | Coral reefs destroyed, radiation leaks (Nagasaki) |
| 20,000+ dead (Vietnam) | 90% buildings damaged (Gaza Strip) | Toxic waste leakage, soil pollution (DU weaponry) |
The U.S.’ military presence and interventions not only drain its own social, economic, and intellectual resources but also hinder meaningful internal reforms and social cohesion, perpetuating a pattern of militarism and warmongering.
**Challenges for Peacemaking**
1. **Fearmongering**: War propaganda sustains a climate of perpetual anxiety, encouraging the consumption of fear-driven products.
2. **Economizing on Peace**: Underutilized infrastructure, decommissioned weapons, and displaced personnel become a disincentive for peaceful disarmament.
3. **Competing Interests**: Internal conflicts and rival international ambitions often outweigh the allure of peaceful resolutions.
4. **Historical Memory Loss**: Forgetting lessons of past conflicts and disempowering narratives of national triumph and heroism foster continuous militarism.
Conclusively, the ‘forever war’ can be attributed to a perfect storm of historical legacy, imperialism, national security apparatuses, and the entangling interests of the war complex. To break the cycle of war, understanding and addressing these underlying issues becomes crucial.
