BEGIN BY READING CHOMSKY.
IRONICALLY, ANOTHER BOOK TO READ IS FREE WORLD COLLOSUS BY DAVID HOROWITZ. HOROWITZ HAS BECOME EXTREMELY CONSERVATIVE, AND HAS RENOUNCED EVERYTHING HE USED TO BELIEVE. HE WAS A MARXIST AND WROTE ONE OF THE BEST EXPLANATION OF THE COLD WAR ATHAT TIME. ALSO INCORPORATE WHAT HE READ IN THE BARON & SWEEZY CHAPTER.
The topic is: “Why
does the United States have military bases in over 80 countries and go to war
in places like Vietnam, Iraq, Iran and Syria? Why does the United States spend
more on military than the next ten most armed countries in the world? How does
maintaining the world’s largest military empire affect America’s domestic
culture? How does the fact that one of the country’s largest and most powerful
institutions considers violence appropriate, in fact morally obligatory, affect
civilian culture?”
In examining the
multifaceted relationship between America’s military presence abroad, defense
spending, and its impact on domestic culture, it becomes evident that these
aspects are deeply interconnected. The establishment of military bases in over
80 countries and engagement in conflicts like Vietnam, Iraq, Iran, and Syria
reflect strategic imperatives driven by geopolitical considerations, resource
access, and perceived threats. Such actions are supported by a substantial
defense budget, indicative of a commitment to maintaining military superiority
and global influence. However, this military-centric approach has significant
implications for domestic culture, shaping societal attitudes towards violence
and conflict resolution while potentially diverting resources from critical
domestic needs. Consequently, the normalization of violence as a means of
achieving foreign policy objectives may perpetuate a militarized mindset,
impacting societal well-being and exacerbating socio-economic inequalities.
Understanding this complex interplay is essential for evaluating the broader
implications of America’s global military empire on both its domestic culture
and society as a whole.
1. Introduction:
– Briefly
introduce the overarching theme: the relationship between America’s military
presence abroad, defense spending, and its impact on domestic culture.
– Present a
thesis statement outlining the main points to be discussed.
2. Reasons for America’s Military Bases and
Engagements:
– Discuss the
strategic reasons behind the establishment of military bases in over 80
countries.
– Analyze
specific conflicts like Vietnam, Iraq, Iran, and Syria, exploring the
geopolitical motivations and objectives.
– Highlight
the role of the United States in maintaining global stability and projecting
power.
3. Defense Spending and Military Superiority:
– Examine
America’s defense budget and its comparison to other nations.
– Discuss the
factors driving high defense spending, including national security concerns,
technological advancements, and military-industrial complex interests.
– Evaluate
the implications of prioritizing military expenditure over domestic needs.
4. Impact on Domestic Culture:
– Explore how
America’s military-centric foreign policy influences societal attitudes towards
violence and conflict resolution.
– Discuss the
potential diversion of resources from domestic priorities like healthcare and
education due to high defense spending.
– Analyze the
societal effects of a culture where violence is deemed morally obligatory for
national security.
5. Conclusion:
– Summarize
the key points discussed regarding America’s military empire and its impact on
domestic culture.
– Emphasize
the interconnectedness between foreign military engagements, defense spending,
and societal attitudes.
– Call for
further reflection on the consequences of maintaining a global military
presence for America’s domestic well-being and cultural identity.