The U.S. Is Still Addicted to War.

The article examines the persistent pattern of U.S. presidents from both parties who campaign on promises of peace but ultimately engage in military interventions abroad. It highlights how presidents since Bill Clinton have repeatedly authorized or escalated conflicts despite initial pledges to avoid war, attributing this trend to factors such as the consolidation of executive war powers, the influence of the military-industrial complex, and the relative ease of using advanced military technology with limited immediate risk. The piece also discusses how political dynamics, including congressional reluctance to oversee war powers and the all-volunteer military force, contribute to this cycle of interventionism. Ultimately, the article frames U.S. foreign policy as being driven by structural incentives and institutional habits that make war a default option despite its high costs and questionable effectiveness. [Extracted from the article]