Al Jazeera Discovers US Militarism Worse Under Trump, Not, You Know, Always
The article suggests US military action, once guided by 'policy and ideology,' is now shaped by 'whim' under Trump. One might ask if the drone wars under Obama (whose administration launched over 500 drone strikes , far exceeding Bush), or the invasion of Iraq under Bush (based on fabricated WMD intelligence ), were shining examples of policy and ideology, or perhaps, whim with better PR. The
history of US foreign policy, from Vietnam to Latin America, is a parade of 'whims' dressed in 'democratic values' until it's politically convenient to blame one person. This narrow framing ignores the fundamental, bipartisan nature of American exceptionalism and its military-industrial complex. Focusing on Trump implies a golden age of 'responsible militarism' existed prior, a notion that would
shock the millions whose lives were 'democratized' by bombs. It conveniently sidesteps the consistent, massive defense budgets approved by both parties, regardless of who occupies the Oval Office – funds that often benefit the same defense contractors who generously lobby Congress . So, is it worse, or just more vulgar?