According to Andrew Bacevich, the primary driver of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East is maintaining American global dominance and ensuring access to the region’s oil resources. He argues that U.S. policymakers have long believed that control over the Middle East is essential for securing America’s economic and strategic interests, and they have pursued a strategy of military intervention and regime change to achieve these goals.
Bacevich contends that this imperial ambition is at odds with the values of freedom and democracy that the U.S. accepts at home. He argues that the pursuit of empire abroad requires the U.S. government to prioritize the interests of corporations and the military-industrial complex over those of the American people. This, in turn, erodes the democratic principles upon which the U.S. was founded, and contributes to the erosion of civil liberties and the growth of the national security state.
To break free from the cycle of “forever wars,” Bacevich suggests that the U.S. needs to abandon its imperial ambitions and embrace a foreign policy based on restraint and diplomacy. This would involve a significant shift in the way that the U.S. engages with the world, prioritizing diplomacy over military force and working to build alliances with other nations to address global challenges. Additionally, Bacevich suggests that the U.S. needs to address the root causes of instability and conflict in the Middle East, including poverty, corruption, and political repression, rather than simply focusing on military solutions.
Overall, Bacevich’s argument is that the U.S. needs to fundamentally rethink its role in the world and the way that it pursues its national interests if it wants to break free from the cycle of endless war and promote a more peaceful future for itself and the world.
Lauren,
I think you did a great job at explaining the United States’ role in the “forever wars.” I like how you put an emphasis on the U.S.’ imperialistic attitude and how this plays into our involvement in the Middle East. I agree with you that a shift away from military and towards better foreign diplomacy/relations would lead towards a place where we could maybe resolve ongoing conflict.
LikeLike