8 - A Conclusion

Summary

After three decades of large-scale human-rights incursions, regime changes, democracy husbandry, and prolonged insurgencies, the United States faces a changed world landscape. No longer the sole superpower, it is confronted by a rising China and a resurging Russia, both of which envy and resent America’s influence, interference, and the imposition of its political values. The Pentagon, politicians, and the public are divided about the dilemma looming before the nation. One school of thought advocates abandoning the forever wars in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Africa, and Asia to concentrate on deterring China and Russia. This abandonment view also embodies the desire of some to take the cost savings from a reduced defense budget to fund domestic priorities. Others are fatigued by the wars. Another school contends that walking away from partners fighting terrorist networks would see a repetition of history in Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan and other places, where Salafi-jihads prevailed over time and then directed attacks beyond their borders. Therefore, America must continue to train, advise, and resource the small-footprint wars or risk another 9/11 attack, while it deters fresh threats.