The Romantic Outlook On War in the US

After reading Coady’s argument outlining the roots of military romanticism, it seems that the United States adopts this policy.  The romantic approach to war supports that war is positive because it liberates people and allows for the spread of great ideas.  Here it seems that this is exactly what is endorsed by the United States.  The idea that war is a positive thing is on display in the country when looking at the news where pundits and press secretaries are arguing for the invasion of country under civil war as a means for bringing prosperity.  Furthermore, it seems that if war was a negative thing than the United States would avoid it at all costs.  Given that we allow for secret forces, the CIA, to infiltrate nations and act in a manner that potentially brings about war gives the impression that war in not a horrible thing.  The notion that war is positive is also communicated by the United States in that we hear constantly how wars bring about economic prosperity because it put people within our nation to work in creases output.  The United States has even twisted economic theory to suggest that there is a place for war in society and that it should not be considered a horrible thing. 

 

The next element that supports the romantic outlook on war is the notion that war is liberating.  When looking at the actions of both democratic and republican presidents, they approach any podium where they are justifying a war and immediately cite how they are freeing the people of a nation from a horrible ruler.  Look at the occupation of Afghanistan, the United States went on a propaganda spree to depict Sadam Hussein as a horrible ruler that terrorizes he people and the only way to free them is to invade the nation.  The same can be seen in Libya where news pundits and press conferences highlighted the horrific nature of the current leader and the need for an intervention to save the people.  

The final element is that idea that war is “virtue-promoting.”  The way that the United States controls a nation after occupation that territory is by setting up government systems that are said to be democratic and western in nature.  The governments constantly make that case that a democracy is the only way to live and all other nations with different systems are not allowing their citizens true freedom.  Here the US has clearly run on the mission of “spreading democracy” and the only way to do this is to unseat a regime and replace it with what America wants.  

Although it seems the conflict that the United States enters leaves nations better off, it would argue against that.  The romantic nature that surrounds war in this country is frightening and allows United States to overstep its bounds with invasive measures and intimidation.  Although this is the policy of the country, it is not sustainable, nor responsible.