Can Democracies Initiate Preventive War? America's Confrontation with the Soviet Union and Iraq

Feb 27, 2003

During his commencement address to West Point graduates in June 2002, President Bush set in motion an extraordinary national and international debate over waging war with Iraq. What makes this debate particularly important in terms of both American foreign policy and international relations theory is that it represents the first time the United States, or any democracy, has so openly debated and approved of fighting a preventive war. Moreover, this case would represent the first time a democracy has actually fought a preventive war.

To access the full article, click on the "download" link below.

You may also like

MAY 13, 2025 Video

Advancing Global Health in a Moment of Fracturing Partnerships

In this event from our Ethics Empowered: Leadership in Practice series, practitioners examined the impact of today's geopolitical environment on the future of public health.

APR 29, 2025 Podcast

Interrogating Our “Norms” with Professor Tanisha Fazal

University of Minnesota's Professor Tanisha Fazal joins the "Values & Interests" podcast to discuss shifting geopolitical norms in a moment of global transition.

Vote to America Great Again billboard. CREDIT: Quinn Dombrowski (CC).

APR 23, 2025 Article

Erase & Rewind: The Politics of Nostalgia & its Ethical Implications

Populist leaders like Donald Trump & Vladimir Putin frequently employ nostalgic rhetoric for political gain. Tinatin Japaridze analyzes the impact & ethical downsides of this strategy.