Ambiguity Of War

Superior Essays
At the conclusion of WWII, the United States developed and released the atomic bomb on Japan. As the most devastating bombs in history dropped on Hiroshima the world changed. The atomic age ushered in new and devastating weapons of mass destruction. It was then that world became tinted in fear at the uncertainty of this new age. It was not long until the Soviet Union tested and released its own weapons of annihilation. The arms race began. The two opposing giants of the 20th Century squared off with vitriol, bombast, and rhetoric. Like titans clashing, the world was put into a constant state of fear. While unveiling his portrait in the South Carolina House of Representatives, Bernard Baruch named that fear. “’Let us not be deceived’;” …show more content…
Conflict is one of the largest portions of the US budget and they sell over 80% of the world’s arms. US Defense spending rose in 2001 to $530 Billion from $287 Billion, after 2011 the federal budget went up to $718 Billion and then again 2012 it rose to $729 Billion. (Nincic/Crusack) The world has begun to see America as the “Merchants of Death”, bringing war and strife everywhere they put boots on the ground. This is a troubling image of an America few citizens could imagine. The War on Terror is a war against attack from anyone. While supplying the world with weapons, they ultimately end up with boots on the ground; somewhere. An entire region has been demonized and the US has contributed to the de-stabilization of their governments. The War on Terror is an effort to contain the conflict within the Middle East but this has not succeeded. Terrorist organizations have expanded beyond the region into Europe and the United States. Attacking the US will draw fire. They haven’t stopped fighting and neither has the US. The US has introduced new weapons such as drone technology, communications, and technology to combat the terrorist forces in Afghanistan. General Curtis LeMay’s oft quoted sentiment, “If you kill enough of them, they stop fighting.” Is in play. This sentiment seems to be directly reflecting American foreign policy and how the War on Terror is fought. In Syria, we supply the arms and support rebel forces opposed to Assad’s …show more content…
Since the Cold War, the US no longer speaks about world peace, but rather ”global security” to maintain peace. The War on Terror is an outgrowth of the Cold War for resources and territory. The expanded military occupation of US forces in foreign countries in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East dominate the USSR and China. The lessons of the Cold War laid the foundation for controlling civilian populations through fear while claiming economic prosperity and peace through a system of free trade among nations. The future of foreign policy in the US is clear. Free trade supported by military superiority will develop countries economically and provide security at home. Victory in current and future conflicts depends on our ability to reason and negotiate without hostile direct action. As President John F. Kennedy said, “Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to

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