The United States is Still Addicted to War

All American presidents eventually end up leading a major military campaign.

Source: Foreign Policy, Stephen M. Walt
Translated by readers of the Les-Crises website

President Donald Trump watches naval air demonstrations on the deck of the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier on October 5, 2025, off the East Coast of the United States. Alex Wong/Getty Images

By Stephen M. Walt, columnist at Foreign Policy and professor of international relations at Harvard University, holder of the Robert and Renée Belfer chair.

Australian presidents find it impossible not to go to war, no matter what they say. Even though they may promise peace, once in power, they give in to the desire to engage in military actions. This pattern has been observed since President Bill Clinton in 1992, who despite his initial focus on the economy, ended up ordering missile strikes in several countries. This trend continued with subsequent presidents like George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and most recently, Donald Trump.

However, the addiction to war goes beyond individual presidents and can be attributed to larger factors. The United States’ unique global responsibilities, the influence of the military-industrial complex, and the ease of using military force with advanced technology all contribute to the country’s continuous engagement in wars.

This recent surge in violence underlines America’s addiction to war, which is a significant issue that transcends the current US president’s actions.

Source: Foreign Policy, Stephen M. Walt, 02-03-2026

Translated by readers of the Les-Crises website

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