Maq Masi Blog

The pursuit of the “American Dream”—a vision of prosperity, freedom, and opportunity—has always been shadowed by a troubling reality: the specter of war. While the ideals of American exceptionalism celebrate narratives of liberation, democracy, and individual achievement, the intricate relationship between conflict and the nation’s economic trajectory complicates this vision. Wars, often framed as necessary for security or humanitarian purposes, have played a pivotal role in shaping the United States’ global influence and economic growth. However, this dynamic has profound ethical, social, and philosophical implications, raising critical questions about whether true prosperity can be built on a foundation of conflict.

From its founding revolution to modern global interventions, the U.S. has often defined its identity and place in the world through military strength. This reliance on conflict is epitomized by the rise of the military-industrial complex, a term famously coined by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. This intricate web of defense contractors, government agencies, and political interests thrives on a perpetual state of preparedness, if not outright conflict. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, costing trillions of dollars, serve as stark examples. These wars generated employment and technological innovation in the defense sector, with companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon reaping billions from defense contracts. However, this spending diverted resources from critical domestic needs like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, contributing to rising national debt and exacerbating inequality.

U.S. foreign policy has often intertwined strategic objectives with economic interests. The Iraq War, for example, justified on the grounds of addressing weapons of mass destruction, ultimately opened the nation’s oil fields to Western energy companies like ExxonMobil and BP. Similarly, NATO’s intervention in Libya, framed as a humanitarian mission to prevent atrocities, disrupted the country’s state-controlled oil industry, creating opportunities for international firms. These cases highlight how wars, even those publicly justified by moral imperatives, often serve as mechanisms for resource extraction and market expansion.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine provides a contemporary lens to examine this dynamic. As Europe reduces its reliance on Russian energy, U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to the continent have surged, creating significant profits for American energy companies. Simultaneously, increased military aid to Ukraine and heightened defense spending by NATO allies have bolstered U.S. defense contractors. While these economic benefits strengthen the U.S.’s geopolitical position, they also illustrate how conflicts—even those in which the U.S. is not directly involved—can indirectly reinforce its economic and strategic influence.

However, these economic gains come with profound costs. The nations targeted by U.S. interventions—such as Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan—often face long-term devastation, including destroyed infrastructure, fractured societies, and economies dependent on foreign aid. In these regions, the promise of reconstruction and stability is often overshadowed by enduring instability and humanitarian crises.

Within the U.S., the costs of war extend far beyond the financial burden. Veterans returning from combat often face significant challenges, including mental health issues, physical injuries, and difficulties reintegrating into civilian life. Additionally, the benefits of defense-driven economic growth are not equitably distributed. Wealth generated by defense contracts disproportionately accrues to corporations and wealthy individuals, while military service disproportionately impacts lower-income and minority communities.

The Israel-Palestine conflict offers another perspective on the role of U.S. foreign policy. As a key ally of Israel, the U.S. provides over $3 billion annually in military aid, much of which funds the purchase of U.S.-made weapons. This support strengthens the strategic partnership between the two nations and bolsters American defense industries. Proponents argue that this alliance is essential for regional stability and Israel’s security. However, critics contend that such aid, while strategically significant, raises ethical questions about its role in perpetuating violence and humanitarian suffering, particularly in Gaza.

This “prosperity through conflict” model raises profound philosophical and ethical dilemmas. Can a nation truly prosper when its wealth is tied to destruction and suffering? Does the pursuit of economic dominance through military might undermine the very principles of freedom, equity, and justice that the “American Dream” purports to uphold? War’s destabilizing effects—displacement, destruction, and the erosion of trust—often perpetuate cycles of violence and instability, creating conditions that breed further conflict. The “blowback” phenomenon, where U.S. interventions inadvertently fuel anti-American sentiment or extremism, underscores these unintended consequences.

The emphasis on individual achievement and material success in the American Dream often neglects the interconnectedness of global humanity. Prosperity achieved at the expense of global stability and human dignity undermines the foundations of a just society. True prosperity lies not in accumulating wealth through conflict but in fostering a world defined by peace, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Addressing these challenges requires a profound rethinking of priorities. Investing in diplomacy, conflict resolution, and sustainable development must take precedence over military intervention. Reducing the influence of the military-industrial complex through stricter lobbying regulations, increased transparency in defense spending, and a focus on peacebuilding can help the U.S. break free from this destructive cycle. Furthermore, addressing root causes of conflict—such as inequality, poverty, and climate change—can foster long-term global stability.

There are examples of constructive U.S. leadership, such as NATO’s intervention in Kosovo, which successfully ended ethnic cleansing and restored regional stability. These instances show that military action, when carefully executed with clear objectives, can achieve positive outcomes. However, these cases remain exceptions rather than the norm, highlighting the need for a more consistent commitment to diplomacy and peacebuilding.

The “Ghost of War” continues to haunt the American Dream, reminding us that prosperity built on conflict comes at an immense cost. The future of U.S. foreign policy depends on its ability to embrace a vision of security and prosperity that prioritises peace over war. By investing in global cooperation and addressing the interconnected challenges of our time, the U.S. can pave the way for a world where the promise of the American Dream is realized not just for a few, but for all.