New American Militarism

Part II

Review
Neo-Wilsonian perspectives Rid the world of evil Turmoil of the 60s Post-Vietnam professionalism Several disparate groups led to this

The Neoconservative Rise

The Vietnam effect What rules the world is ideas United by antipathy for the 1960s Against:
Nihilism, untruths of the radical decade Opposed to communism

Ideological objective was not to preserve but to transform

Six propositions
Theory of history stems from the parable of the depression
Evil is real, and will prevail if not confronted

No substitute for power, especially military power (WW II lessons regarding Hitler)
Indispensable foundation of US foreign policy

America has a global leadership mission and can never come home

Six propositions
The relationship between cultural politics and Americas purpose abroad
An appreciation for authority Must restore confidence in basic institutions

Post Vietnam US society faced a dire crisis; unspeakable consequences awaited if not confronted The antidote to crisis is leadership
Men, not impersonal forces, determine the course of history

Post Cold War Neocons

American power was refurbished following the collapse of the Soviet Union The moment was ripe to use that power Military power can transform the international system Benevolent hegemony The alternative to unipolarity is chaos

Contemporary Neo-conservatism vs. Realists

Realism is about defending national interests, not transforming the global order Realists have a marked aversion to crusades and a respect for limits Professional Pessimists

Origins of the Bush Doctrine

The War Club tracing the evolution from Brodie to Wohlstetter Anticipatory use of force eliminating threats before they can mature The new RMA Andrew Marshall, and information , precision and mass Post 9/11 reforms stall

10 principles to abate militaristic tendencies

1. Heed the intentions of the founders
Nothing requires the US to use military power to save the world

2. Separate the powers (again); Congress has abdicated responsibilities 3. View force as a last resort
Renounce the Bush doctrine of preemptive war

4. Enhance US strategic self-sufficiency

Limit dependence on foreign resources

10 principles to abate militaristic tendencies

5. Organize US forces explicitly for national defense rather than power projection 6. Devise an appropriate gauge for determining the level of defense spending 7. Enhance alternative instruments of statecraft 8. Revive the concept of the citizen-soldier
Citizens who defend the country should get free college education

10 principles to abate militaristic tendencies

9. Reexamine the role of the National Guard and reserve components
Trained militia designed for community defense

10. Reconcile the American military profession to American society

Educate all officer candidates at universities, top off at academies

Conclusion
New American militarism materialized as a reaction to disorientation and collective distress (Vietnam) The ailments were real, but the remedy was toxic America is addicted to militarism

Critique of Bacevich