Imperial Overstretch?
The United States and the Rising Costs of the War on Terrorism
SWP Comment 2003/C 14, 15.10.2003, 8 Seiten ForschungsgebieteThe United States and the Rising Costs of the War on Terrorism
SWP Comment 2003/C 14, 15.10.2003, 8 Seiten ForschungsgebieteIn his address to the nation shortly after Labor Day, 2003, President Bush spoke of the problems in Iraq and appealed to the will of Americans to persevere and make sacrifices. In Europe this was widely viewed as the long-overdue admission of failure and of the growing strain on America’s military power and financial resources. In the US proponents of the "imperial overstretch" thesis felt vindicated as well. This view, however, is motivated by wishful thinking. America's military standing is still unchallenged and the ability of the Bush Administration to mobilise national and particularly international economic resources in its large-scale "war on terrorism" is far from exhausted. Bush does not intend to beg for international help. His Administration will accept offers to share the burden to the extent that they do not infringe on America's own interest in harvesting the fruits of victory in Iraq.