Road to Recommendation

What are the major reasons behind for US military Intervention? i) Global security and counter terrorism ii) Protection of National Interest iii) Geopolitical influence and strategic dominance

i) After the 9/11 attacks, counter-terrorism became the cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. The U.S. aims to eliminate terrorist organizations before they can threaten American citizens, allies, and global security. Facts & Data 9/11 attacks (2001): Nearly 3,000 people killed. The U.S. spent over $8 trillion on the Global War on Terror (Brown University Costs of War Project). More than 7,000 U.S. military personnel lost their lives in post-9/11 wars. ISIS at its peak in 2014 controlled territory inhabited by nearly 8 million people across Iraq and Syria. Examples 1. Afghanistan (2001–2021) Launched after 9/11. Objective: Destroy Al-Qaeda and remove Taliban support. Longest war in U.S. history (20 years). 2. Operation Neptune Spear (2011) U.S. Navy SEALs killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. Symbolized America’s commitment to counter-terrorism. 3. Anti-ISIS Campaign (2014 onwards) Coalition of over 80 countries led by the U.S. Helped dismantle ISIS’s territorial “caliphate.” ii) The U.S. military often acts to protect: Economic interests Energy security Trade routes American citizens abroad Strategic resources Facts & Data Around 30% of global seaborne oil trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Nearly 12–15% of global trade passes through the Red Sea and Suez Canal route. The U.S. maintains approximately 750 military bases in over 80 countries, partly to secure its interests worldwide. Examples 1. Gulf War (1991) Iraq invaded Kuwait. Kuwait possessed nearly 10% of the world’s known oil reserves. U.S.-led coalition of 35 nations expelled Iraqi forces. 2. Iraq War (2003) Official reason: WMD concerns. Strategic significance due to Iraq’s vast oil reserves and Middle East location. 3. Red Sea Operations (2024–26) U.S. naval forces protected commercial shipping from attacks. Ensured uninterrupted global trade and energy supplies. 4. Persian Gulf Presence The U.S. Fifth Fleet is stationed in Bahrain. Protects one of the world’s most important energy corridors. iii) The U.S. seeks to maintain a favorable balance of power and prevent rival nations from dominating critical regions. Facts & Data The U.S. has defense commitments with 32 NATO members. It maintains around 170,000 troops stationed overseas. The Indo-Pacific region contributes nearly 60% of global GDP, making it strategically important. China is the world’s second-largest military spender, creating strategic competition. Examples 1. Korean War (1950–53) Prevented communist North Korea from conquering South Korea. First major Cold War military intervention. 2. Vietnam War (1955–75) Driven by the “Domino Theory.” U.S. feared that one communist victory would trigger others across Southeast Asia. 3. Kosovo Intervention (1999) NATO-led intervention to stabilize the Balkans. Demonstrated U.S. leadership within NATO. 4. Indo-Pacific Strategy Strengthening alliances with Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines. Formation of strategic groups such as QUAD (India, U.S., Japan, Australia).