Us Imperialism Abroad
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In the assigned reading article “US Foreign Military Bases: The Edge and Essence of Empire”, Catherine Lutz Gives an account of her findings on US military bases their relations to the projection of empire, and how these bases link the rest of the world to US citizens, home front economies, politics and culture. Generally Lutz conducts her research in two parts. Firstly fieldwork was conducted around military bases in North Carolina, Guam, the Philippines, Korea and Okinawa. In addition Lutz research method also focused interviews with returning dissident Iraqi war veterans.
Catherine Lutz begins by giving a brief description of US Military projects and presence abroad. On a more critical note, Lutz indicates that presence of these military bases have a huge and very harmful effect locally. A common assumption is that military forces are the edge of empire or rather the essence of empire that engages host nations in a complex imperial relationship, usually affecting their allocation of resources and judicial practice. Doesnt that seem to be more of a political tactic rather than military? To be more exact, Lutz views these relationships more as the domination of the host states by US bases and US authorities. Why would the us dominate such helpless people and what gives them the right to do so? In addition to this US bases have created serious problems for surrounding communities. For example in Guam and Okinawa loss of land to US bases has destroyed livelihoods and kin relations. In addition, these bases have created rise in prostitution and instances of rape and violence against women. Isnt that a violation of human rights? However, one of the more serious impacts or dangers that these bases US bases pose is to the environment and health of individuals. In fact exposure to t toxins has produced exceptionally high rates of leukemia while high levels of noise pollutions have created elevated levels of psychological disorders. In response to this many antiempire activist groups and social movements have been mobilized against some of the activities and operation of these US military bases.
Not only has imperialism and military operations impacted the host countries but they have also impacted the home front. According to Lutz, an estimated 44% of US tax dollars goes towards military spending. In addition the pentagon has emerged as the nations leading employer. However, Lutz also indicates that imperialism also has a negative impact on society. Culturally, it has contributed towards the growth of a more violent notion towards masculinity. What is more is that the impact of imperialism on American life is more vivid and evident in the life of the common soldier. In fact soldiers return from these stations with abundant physical and mental wounds. More importantly the cost for caring for these soldiers can shape the home front as well as problems such as increased rates of homelessness