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America's Path to Permanent War: The American Empire Project

Duane Kelly

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Published in Washington Rules: America S Path To Permanent War (American Empire Project)

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The United States has been engaged in a state of permanent war for over a century. Since the Spanish-American War in 1898, the US has fought in over 200 wars and military interventions, and has maintained a vast network of military bases around the world. This state of permanent war has had a profound impact on American society, economy, and foreign policy.

In this article, we will explore the historical, political, and economic factors that have led the United States to a state of permanent war. We will also discuss the consequences of this state of war, and the prospects for peace.

The United States was founded on the principles of democracy, liberty, and self-determination. However, from its inception, the US has also been a settler-colonial state, expanding its territory through war and conquest. The US's westward expansion and its acquisition of overseas colonies led to a series of wars with Native Americans, Mexico, and Spain.

Washington Rules: America's Path to Permanent War (American Empire Project)

by John Clayton Thomas

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Spanish-American War was a watershed moment in American history. This war marked the beginning of the US's rise to global power, and it also ushered in an era of American imperialism. In the aftermath of the war, the US annexed Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, and it established a protectorate over Cuba.

The US's imperial ambitions continued to grow in the 20th century. The US fought in two world wars and the Cold War, and it intervened in numerous other conflicts around the world. By the end of the Cold War, the US had emerged as the world's sole superpower, with a vast military empire that spanned the globe.

The US's state of permanent war is not simply a product of historical circumstances. It is also the result of a series of political decisions that have been made by American leaders over the years.

One of the most important factors that has contributed to the US's state of permanent war is the rise of the military-industrial complex. This complex is a network of private corporations, government agencies, and military contractors that profit from war and militarism. The military-industrial complex has a powerful lobby in Washington, and it has been able to influence US foreign policy in a way that benefits its own interests.

Another important factor that has contributed to the US's state of permanent war is the rise of neoconservatism. Neoconservatives are a group of intellectuals and politicians who believe that the US should use its military power to promote democracy and human rights around the world. Neoconservatives have been particularly influential in US foreign policy since the September 11 attacks, and they have been instrumental in advocating for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The US's state of permanent war is also driven by economic factors. The US military is the largest employer in the world, and it spends more money on its military than any other country. This vast military spending creates jobs and stimulates the economy.

The US also benefits economically from its control of global oil reserves. The US military protects the flow of oil from the Middle East to the US and its allies. This control of oil gives the US a great deal of power and influence in the world.

The US's state of permanent war has had a profound impact on American society, economy, and foreign policy.

Social Consequences

The US's state of permanent war has led to a militarization of American society. The military has become a dominant force in American culture, and it has been given a great deal of power and influence. This militarization has led to a decline in civil liberties, and it has created a climate of fear and suspicion.

The US's state of permanent war has also had a negative impact on the health and well-being of Americans. The US spends more money on its military than it does on education, healthcare, and social services. This has led to a decline in the quality of life for many Americans.

Economic Consequences

The US's state of permanent war has also had a negative impact on the US economy. The US spends a vast amount of money on its military, and this spending has led to a massive budget deficit. The US also has a large trade deficit, and it is heavily dependent on foreign oil. This dependence on foreign oil makes the US vulnerable to economic shocks.

Foreign Policy Consequences

The US's state of permanent war has also had a negative impact on US foreign policy. The US has used its military power to intervene in numerous conflicts around the world, and this has led to a loss of trust and credibility. The US is also seen as a bully by many countries, and this has damaged its reputation.

The US's state of permanent war is not sustainable. The US cannot continue to spend vast amounts of money on its military while neglecting its social and economic needs. The US also cannot continue to intervene in conflicts around the world without losing its credibility.

There is a growing movement in the US for peace. This movement is made up of people from all walks of life who are tired of war and who want to create a more just and sustainable world. This movement is working to build a more peaceful future for the US and for the world.

The United States is in a state of permanent war. This state of war is the result of a complex interplay of historical, political, and economic factors. The US's state of permanent war has had a profound impact on American society, economy, and foreign policy. There is a growing movement in the US for peace. This movement is working to build a more peaceful future for the US and for the world.

Washington Rules: America's Path to Permanent War (American Empire Project)

by John Clayton Thomas

4.5 out of 5