When we speak of American democracy, ideals like freedom, human rights, and justice often come to mind. The United States is viewed as a beacon of hope and a champion of these values. However, the country’s track record is more mixed on the international front. While the U.S. has played a pivotal role in promoting democratic values in some instances, there is a darker side to its foreign interventions. Historically, there have been numerous occasions where the banner of democracy is co-opted to further ulterior motives. Often, these motives are tied to political gains and financial benefits, predominantly for politicians and the military-industrial complex.
Throughout the Cold War, the U.S. often justified interventions by citing the spread of communism as a threat to democracy. For instance, the American intervention in Vietnam was framed as a necessary step to prevent the domino effect of communism across Asia. However, when looking beneath the surface, significant economic and strategic interests were at play, ranging from access to resources to geopolitical dominance. Such veiling wasn’t exclusive to the Cold War. The 2003 invasion of Iraq was conducted under the pretext of eradicating Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) and instilling democracy. However, no WMDs were found, and Iraq plunged into a sectarian civil war that led to the rise of ISIS. Instead of a stable democracy, the country became a battleground, with countless lives lost and infrastructure destroyed.
The people of the countries where these wars are waged bear the most tragic cost of such interventions. They often face a future filled with instability, civil strife, economic despair, and loss of life. After the U.S.-led NATO intervention in 2011, Libya has not found stability and has become a hotspot for terrorism and human trafficking. Furthermore, the message sent globally is that democracy is not a genuine aspiration but a tool of convenience, diluting the earnest efforts of many who wish to promote democratic values and human rights worldwide.
While the local populations in intervened countries often bear the brunt of the conflict, other groups benefit immensely. Politicians can consolidate power by playing on nationalistic sentiments, diverting attention from domestic issues, and portraying themselves as defenders of American values. Moreover, the military-industrial complex, comprising defense contractors, lobbyists, and some military officials, thrives during conflicts. Wars mean contracts, sales, and profits. For example, the defense industry saw a sharp spike in earnings after the Iraq invasion and again today as the Ukraine conflict rages on. The interests of this complex often align with prolonged conflicts, not swift resolutions.
The U.S. can promote peace and democracy globally, but it is vital to examine the motives behind every intervention critically. It’s essential to distinguish between genuine efforts to uphold democratic values and instances where these ideals are exploited for political and financial gains. To ensure peacekeeping remains at the forefront, we must eliminate the revolving door between government and defense and increase transparency and accountability of the defense industry through mechanisms such as stricter controls on lobbying, public disclosure of defense contracts, more regular oversight hearings by Congress, and the promotion of whistleblower protections. Furthermore, fostering a culture of open dialogue between policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public will pave the way for more informed decisions. To those of you who play influential roles in this arena, I implore you to find the courage to champion such measures so that the U.S. may honor the memory of those lost on 9/11 by showing democracy as a path to a more peaceful and prosperous world.
