Question

Write which approach (realist or liberalist) you believe better explains the incident (Iraq war) and why. (150 -250 words)

Answer 1

The US decision to invade Iraq in 2003 was one of the greatest event in American history which was also one of the longest & costliest war fought by US army since Vietnam War. In my view this decision was more of a product of realism than liberalism. Realism deals with motives related to national security, power, and resources. Whereas liberalism considers differences between democracies and non-democracies to be a fundamental cause of war. In this decision of US government to declare war, is motivated by eternal quest for power & security where they are hostile to other nations due to some events in international politics.

The US declaration of war in Iraq was primarily motivated to demonstrate its power & gain access to large oil resources in Iraq which US feared can be used against it. It was the result of the pursuit of American hegemonic primacy. This agenda was carried forward on the basis of false allegations of presence of weapons of mass destruction & chemical weapons which were denied by UN inspectors. The decision was also prompted by willingness to use force in other sovereign nations & demonstrating its military power. Though actual purpose of war was to gain military bases, assist Israel & secure large oil fields reducing energy vulnerability. Therefore we can say that realist approach led to the incident of Iraq war.