In a Sovereignty Rules world, the United States would not engage in the same sorts of behavior that anger so many people today.  We would not imprison people in other countries.  We would not indefinitely ‘detain.’  Nor would we occupy.  But also… if no one can ever be sure what won’t happen, then we need to be prepared to respond to any violation of sovereignty.  The set point for when to respond itself needs to be reset.  Under the sovereignty rubric people should be able to rant, rave, vent, and even hate.  Let them act against us, however, and that is the trigger.  That is what guarantees a set of U.S. demands – followed by either that government’s reaction or ours.

As military historians have long pointed out, there is a tried-and-true American way of war: namely, the application of overwhelming force.  As for the benefits to direct, decisive action, here are some: Clarity for our adversaries, clarity for those who might otherwise aid and abet them, clarity for “we the people,” and clarity for members of our military.  The latter are… especially important because, if policy is either too complicated or too impractical, can’t be understood by those tasked with applying it, or, worse, involves a concept that a young officer in the field can’t grasp, then it is useless precisely where it is most needed – at the point of contact, on the ground.

It is no coincidence that we Americans are no better at lengthy military interventions than we are at humanitarian nation building.  We are too egalitarian and too impatient to successfully make others over in our image – that takes an imperial ruthlessness we do not possess.  Our ruthlessness is far more direct – ideal for getting to the scene quickly and doing immense damage or getting to the scene quickly to do immediate good.

Subheadings

No Anti-American Violence

Decisive Action

Who Fights for Us and Why This Matters

No More Incrementalism