Land to Burn

Andrew Bacevich argues that America’s deeper issue of an ethic of self-indulgence and profligacy takes precedence as the main factor driving U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, rather than notions of combating terrorism. Bacevich writes that even though the proliferation of “national defense” is used most frequently by presidents and officials, there are deep ironies of its goals and resulting effects. Many of these foreign engagements—such as Vietnam, the Gulf War, and conflicts in the Middle East—have only weakened and complicated the U.S. economy and strategic positioning on a global scale. They did not—as was the proclaimed goal—protect or strengthen American interests. 

According to Bacevich, “empire” abroad is an essential endeavor to fulfill what most Americans identify as “freedom” at home. He describes how “in American political discourse, fundamental threats are by definition external” (32). A specific example of the American need to fortify and defend an empire abroad is the U.S. policy to obtain and control oil prices and excavation. This led to many wars and foreign conflict by the U.S., including attempting to occupy and control the Persian Gulf. Instead of cultivating new energy sources or identifying ways to reduce the nation’s oil needs, Bacevich emphasized the American policy to take any action necessary to secure more oil at favorable rates, thus securing their “empire.” To suggest anything else—as President Carter did—was labeled as “malaise” (35). For many Americans, the obtaining of oil is the cornerstone for “freedom” at home because it allows Americans to indulge in not only their needs, but their luxurious wants. To suggest an ethic or policy of conservation of resources at the benefit of the community is in contradiction with the idea of abundance freedom that many Americans champion. 

I believe that there is a way out of “forever wars,” if not perhaps a path forced upon us rather than chosen voluntarily. If Bacevich is correct—and our foreign involvement is in part due to the profligacy of America—then eventually we will run out of capital to acquire. Hopefully, we as a society will evolve an ethic of civil responsibility and community before then, but I believe that if that does not happen voluntarily it will be forced on us nevertheless, and as a nation we will have to begin looking inwards for solutions. When I was interviewing my person for our oral history project, she was very aware of the abundant life Americans preferred to live, saying “Americans are used to having land to burn.”  Eventually, however, the land will run out.