American Power Moves beyond the Mere Super

US success in Iraq shows US military supremacy that is virtually unmatched in the world today. The US has highly sophisticated weapons technology, superior reconnaissance satellites, and the highest military spending of all NATO countries combined. Recent battles in Iraq and Afghanistan serve as both, learning opportunities for US troops and also testing grounds of new US technology. Additionally, the high quality of education and motivation of US personnel contributes to a superior military force. The paradox of such undisputed military power is that it can also instill amongst countries such as North Korea, Iran and Russia, the desire to develop weapons of mass destruction, as a way to deter military conflict with the US. Yet, military strength and superiority are just one aspect of international relations. Military might does not solve political problems. – YaleGlobal.

American Power Moves beyond the Mere Super

Gregg Easterbrook
Sunday, April 27, 2003

Click here for the original article on The New York Times website.

Gregg Easterbrook is a senior editor of The New Republic and a contributing editor of The Atlantic Monthly. His next book, “The Progress Paradox,” will be published this fall by Random House.

Copyright 2003 The New York Times Company