The 2003 Iraq War

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the fundamental basis for liberal internationalism is the coupling of a commitment to freedom and to a free market economy with the desire to spread the country's sphere of influence. The author points out that aggressive liberal internationalism has been characterized by the willingness of a few powerful nations, such as the United States and Great Britain, to use military and political force to promote these liberal ideals and paradoxically promote peace and security. The paper argues that, although some people argue that not enough time has passed for the roots of liberalism to take hold in Iraq and help stabilize the region, this policy has failed in Iraq. The author concludes that it is impossible to impose liberal policies and institutions on societies and cultures that have no tradition of liberalism.

From the Paper:

"Critics have argued that the nearly unilateral invasion of Iraq by the United States represents the nation's departure from the liberal tradition in international relations. But this is not the case. Liberal internationalism is simply a theoretical approach to international relations that works to spread the influence of the liberal tradition, and even, in extreme cases, to punish those nations who do not abide by that tradition. While, in a practical sense, it makes little sense for there to be a liberal international order of only one nation..."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Burke, Anthony. "Against the New Internationalism." Ethics & International Affairs 19.2 (2005): 73-89.
• Kupchan, Charles A. "Seeking Liberal Internationalism." Bangor Daily News 26 Feb. 2004. 25 Nov. 2006 <http://www.camdenconference.org/conference2004/PDFs/Kupchan022604.pdf>.
• "Liberal Power, The." New Republic 228.8 (3 Mar. 2003): 7.
• Neaman, Elliot. "Future Imperfect." Tikkun 21.3 (May-June 2006): 32-33.
• Roberts, Susan, Secor, Anna, and Sparke, Matthew. "Neoliberal Geopolitics." Antipode 35.5 (Nov. 2003): 886-897.

More papers on The 2003 Iraq War:

• Analytical Essay # 130922 : "Liberal Internationalism and the 2003 Iraq War"
• Analytical Essay # 71053 : "Benefits of the 2003 War in Iraq"
• Term Paper # 26116 : "A Short History of America from 1865-2003"

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