The Bunker – News without the nonsense Why is America obsessed with going to war?
Jul 10, 2025
Join Chris Jones and Professor David Reynolds, an Emeritus Professor of International History at Cambridge University and author of 'Mirrors of Greatness', as they dissect America's obsession with military intervention. They explore the psychological and cultural reasons behind this inclination, contrasting the U.S.'s diplomatic capabilities with its force-first approach. Reynolds also analyzes historical decisions, including the use of atomic bombs, and how political narratives shape public perception of military actions. A revealing discussion on the intersection of war, politics, and identity!
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US Post-WWII Military Role
- The US increased military interventions post-1945 due to global power vacuum and capability.
- US emerged as a superpower ready to project force far beyond its borders with advanced military assets.
Power as Deterrence
- Displaying military power acts as deterrence to rivals and sends a warning.
- Truman's use of atomic bombs symbolized US arrival as a dominant global force.
Trump's Use of US History
- Trump embraces US exceptionalism with emphatic patriotism and military pride.
- He uses history to bolster national confidence amid deep domestic divisions.
