Introduction
Necropolitics prioritizes economic and political interests over fundamental human needs, fueling arms development while neglecting essential areas like education, healthcare, housing, and clean energy. The current expansionist militarism, a hallmark of necropolitics, not only harms direct victims of bombings and senseless destruction but also leaves lasting material, psychological, and ecological scars. It shuts doors to dialogue and peace-building while promoting misinformation and hate speech.
Historical Context: The Iraq War of 2003
In the midst of confusing information about Iran’s nuclear capabilities and the justifications for “preventive attacks” by Israel and the United States, the 2003 Iraq War serves as a stark reminder of necropolitics. Under George W. Bush’s administration, which had already initiated its devastating intervention in Afghanistan post-9/11, the decision was made to attack Iraq. Bush, according to Thom Hartmann’s account, expressed in 1999 that if he had the chance to invade Iraq, he wouldn’t miss it—unlike his father’s decision in 1991 to only bomb Iraq. In 2003, leveraging the post-9/11 shock and militaristic atmosphere in the U.S., Bush’s government claimed dictator Saddam Hussein possessed “weapons of mass destruction.” Although the evidence was flimsy (and proven false), a lengthy war ensued, benefiting only the arms industry.
Devastating Consequences of U.S. Interventions
The repercussions of U.S. interventions on targeted countries are dire. After four decades of conflicts, including 20 years of U.S. occupation in Afghanistan, there are 2.8 million Afghan refugees worldwide—mostly in Iran and Pakistan—and over 3 million internally displaced persons. Post-Taliban takeover, women and girls face inhumane conditions, poverty and hunger affect millions. The purported U.S. victory in Iraq, resulting in Saddam Hussein’s ouster, left over 100,000 Iraqi and 4,500 U.S. soldiers dead after eight years, with a military cost of $800 billion for the U.S. alone—not counting the enduring stain of war crimes and subsequent armed conflicts.
Domestic Impact of Wars on the United States
The consequences of these wars have also been detrimental to the United States. Patriotism reached fever pitch, with ever-larger flags displayed in windows and homes, militaristic propaganda, and the glorification of force as an unquestionable virtue. The Patriot Act of 2001 expanded censorship and fear, normalized arbitrary actions against migrants and foreigners, and ushered in the totalitarian surveillance regime we’ve come to accept.
Trump’s Militaristic Posturing
Following his disastrous military parade and massive protests against his policies on June 14, Trump now positions himself as a military strategic genius and praises the armed forces, despite previous disdain. Even if Iran were to develop nuclear weapons in the future, this new intervention with destructive and polluting bombs remains illegal and threatens humanity’s existence.
The True Cost of War
Wars are not mere spectacle or strategic games; they kill, destroy cities and countryside, and consume resources that could improve human life. Autocrats today playing with the world’s fate remain indifferent to these consequences, as disposable people will bear the brunt of the repercussions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is necropolitics? Necropolitics refers to policies that prioritize economic and political interests over fundamental human needs, often fueling arms development while neglecting essential areas like education, healthcare, housing, and clean energy.
- What were the consequences of the 2003 Iraq War? The war resulted in over 100,000 Iraqi and 4,500 U.S. soldiers’ deaths, with a military cost of $800 billion for the U.S. It also left millions displaced and suffering from poverty and hunger.
- How have U.S. interventions impacted Afghanistan? Four decades of conflicts, including 20 years of U.S. occupation, have led to 2.8 million Afghan refugees and over 3 million internally displaced persons.
- What are the domestic consequences of wars on the United States? Wars have fostered extreme patriotism, normalized censorship and surveillance, and glorified force as an unquestionable virtue.
- Is Trump’s militaristic posturing justified? Even if Iran were to develop nuclear weapons, a new intervention with destructive and polluting bombs remains illegal and threatens humanity’s existence.
