U.S. Military Intervention in other Countries
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U.S. Military Intervention in other Countries
There have always been strong countries and vulnerable countries throughout history based on economic, political, and military estimates. Similarly, there has always existed chaos, violence, violation of human rights, and other territorial problems. In some cases, the solutions to these problems have needed to come from outside the immediate community, at times spanning as far as international intervention (Lang Jr, 2012). It is this last scene where the U.S. has been involved in various diplomatic and military interventions to restore peace, institute democracy, restore human rights, and consolidate their position as a superpower, among other reasons. In this paper, an argument is made to explain when U.S. military invention in other countries is appropriate.
The need for peace, coexistence, and orderly running of affairs worldwide is an important reason for U.S. military intervention. Human history has traversed barbaric wars and violence into more stable civilizations that foster peace, unity, and prosperity. As we go forward with our human civilization, peace and unity remain vital for humanity’s survival and sustainable development. Unfortunately, in some regions around the world, there have been cases of violence and tension between various communities. This has proved a threat to civilians’ safety and the stability required for prosperity within such a region (Phillips, 2012). In such a scenario, international intervention is necessary to restore peace. In some cases, diplomatic intervention is not adequate, considering that the violence needs some level of forceful and aggressive resolutions. For such cases, prime examples include the U.S. military intervention in Kosovo in 1999, where many Albanian civilians were losing their lives and others being displaced due to the Serbian government (Phillips, 2012). Diplomatic engagements had failed to ensure a solution is met, and thus military intervention was the only viable solution. Ultimately military intervention was able to restore peace within the region and stop the killing of innocent civilians.
Another reason that makes U.S. military intervention appropriate is the issue of democracy and its far-reaching effects. Democracy is essential in addressing the rule of law, inequality, discrimination, human rights abuse, effective governance, among other issues. In some countries, the absence of democracy has led to a tense political atmosphere, civilian protests, and unstable governments that have cause national turmoil. It is often necessary for external interventions to bring order and install a democratic government in such cases. In such cases, U.S. military intervention becomes necessary when some factions within a particular country have significant military equipment and are using it against other factions or civilians. An example of this scenario is the U.S. military intervention in Iraq in 2003 when the country was under the leadership of the tyrant Saddam Hussein (Jacobson, 2010). Saddam Hussein was accused of funding terrorism, authoritarian rule, and also disregard for civilians. There was a lot of inequality, discrimination, violence, and violation of human rights in Iraq at the time, and the intervention helped to establish some form of democracy and regard for human rights (Jacobson, 2010). However, military intervention may not be considered entirely successful in Iraq, considering the financial and human cost. Nevertheless, it was a right move from the U.S., and it served to promote democracy, human rights, and peaceful coexistence.
Another reason U.S. military intervention revolves around maintaining the U.S. status as a superpower, world monitor, and leader. This international identity is necessary to protect vulnerable countries, reduce the propensity for world wars, and safeguard U.S. interests worldwide. Intervention by the U.S. military has been necessary to stop the development of nuclear weapons by some countries. Owing to the countries’ perceived rash leadership, it would be a massive risk for the rest of the world if such countries were allowed nuclear weapons. Other interventions have been necessary to protect the world from vices, such as terrorism. The U.S. has had to send military personnel to Afghanistan to apprehend terrorists and their sympathizers (Jacobson, 2010). It has also been necessary to create and maintain conducive environments for trade and economic activities. Military occupation ensures some trade routes are secure, and raw materials are readily available worldwide.
Despite the U.S. military intervention being appropriate in some cases, there have been reservations over the years from various people. One of the reservations has been the high cost of military intervention in financial and human costs (O’Hanlon, 2010). Many resources need to be mobilized, and the military has consumed a significant chunk of the US GDP over the years. Considering the colossal funding required for the wars, it may not be worth it after all. However, the U.S. is a vast country with a robust economy, and thus the issue of funding should not come as a significant issue. The benefits accrued from intervention could translate to a better state of affairs globally, worth more than the money. Peace, human rights, freedom, and democracy should be considered more valuable than money. On human costs, gains have always far exceeded the soldiers’ sacrifices involved in a war (Tirman, 2011). At times it is necessary to lose something small for something else which is of greater value.
Another reservation has stemmed from the fact that there has been brutality, and many civilians have had to endure needless suffering as a direct result of U.S. military presence. While this may be true, the otherwise consequences could be estimated to be far much worse where generations of people would live in abject poverty, constant conflict, inequality, violation of human rights, and perpetual fear (O’Hanlon, 2010). Some of the situations that require military intervention tend to be dire, and thus there would always be a cost no matter what. Thus, it is better to endure callous times for a while and have a chance of solving the problems permanently.
In conclusion, from the discussions within this paper, it is appropriate for the U.S. military to intervene worldwide from time to time as the need arises. Several basic needs that are always at stake and need to be secured. These include peace, equality, stability, economic prosperity, democracy, human rights, and public confidence. When some of these needs are at stake, it may be necessary for any form of intervention to restore stability and assurance. Despite the cost of military intervention and negative consequences felt by civilians, the ensuing benefits far outweigh these drawbacks.
References
Jacobson, G. C. (2010). A tale of two wars: Public opinion on the U.S. military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Presidential Studies Quarterly, 40(4), 585-610.
Lang Jr, A. F. (2012). Agency and ethics: the politics of military intervention. SUNY Press.
O’Hanlon, M. E. (2010). Saving lives with force: Military criteria for humanitarian intervention (Vol. 1). Brookings Institution Press.
Phillips, D. L. (2012). Liberating Kosovo: Coercive Diplomacy and U.S. intervention. MIT Press.
Tirman, J. (2011). The deaths of others: the fate of civilians in America’s wars. Oxford University Press.