The Cheney Legacy and the Shifting Sands of American Power
Over $8 trillion. That’s the estimated cost of the post-9/11 wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and related conflicts – a figure that dwarfs the Marshall Plan and continues to shape global geopolitics. The death of former Vice President Dick Cheney, coinciding with potential historic shifts in American cities like New York, isn’t simply a moment for historical reflection; it’s a stark reminder that the consequences of decisions made in the wake of September 11th are still unfolding, and a new generation is actively challenging the very foundations of the foreign and domestic policies he championed.
The Architecture of Executive Power
Cheney, alongside key figures in the Bush administration, fundamentally reshaped the scope of executive power in the United States. The legal justifications for the “War on Terror” – often stretching and circumventing international law – created a precedent for unchecked authority that subsequent administrations, including those of Donald Trump and, arguably, even Barack Obama, readily embraced. This expansion wasn’t limited to military action; it extended to domestic surveillance programs, like those exposed by Edward Snowden, and the controversial practice of torture, detailed extensively by researchers like Human Rights Watch. The normalization of these practices, as documented by MERIP’s extensive archive, laid the groundwork for a more authoritarian trajectory in American politics.
From Baghdad to Ukraine: Echoes of Interventionism
The failures in Iraq, as analyzed in MERIP’s coverage from 2003 onwards, weren’t simply a matter of flawed intelligence or poor execution. They revealed a deeper ideological commitment to interventionism and regime change, often driven by oil politics and the influence of neoconservative thought. This pattern, highlighted in articles from 2002 and 2005, isn’t confined to the Middle East. We see echoes of it today in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where debates about the appropriate level of US involvement and the potential for escalation mirror the arguments that preceded the invasion of Iraq. The willingness to disregard international norms and prioritize perceived national interests – a hallmark of the Cheney era – continues to inform foreign policy debates.
The Rise of a New Anti-War Sentiment
However, the political landscape is shifting. The potential election of Zohran Mamdani as Mayor of New York City represents a significant challenge to the established order. His campaign, rooted in principles of justice, accountability, and a rejection of endless war, demonstrates a growing appetite for a fundamentally different approach to both domestic and foreign policy. This resurgence of anti-war sentiment, building on the movements that opposed the Iraq War, suggests a growing awareness of the human and economic costs of interventionism. It’s a direct response to the legacy of figures like Cheney, who prioritized military solutions over diplomatic engagement.
The Enduring Influence of Neoconservatism
Despite the apparent shift in public opinion, the influence of neoconservative ideology hasn’t vanished. As Jim Lobe’s reporting from 2005 indicated, the “war hawks” remained a powerful force within the Bush administration, and their ideas continue to circulate within policy circles. Understanding the intellectual roots of this ideology – its emphasis on American exceptionalism, its belief in the transformative power of military force, and its skepticism towards international institutions – is crucial to understanding the ongoing debates about US foreign policy. The challenge lies in preventing a resurgence of the policies that led to so much devastation in the Middle East.
Torture and the Erosion of Moral Authority
Lisa Hajjar’s meticulous documentation of the torture regime established by the Bush-Cheney administration serves as a chilling reminder of the ethical compromises made in the name of national security. The long-term consequences of these actions extend beyond the immediate suffering of those who were tortured; they have eroded America’s moral authority on the world stage and fueled resentment towards the United States. Addressing this legacy requires not only accountability for past abuses but also a commitment to upholding international law and human rights in all future endeavors.
The death of Dick Cheney, therefore, isn’t simply the passing of a political figure. It’s a moment to confront the complex and often painful legacy of the “War on Terror” and to consider the lessons learned – or not learned – from the mistakes of the past. The rise of figures like Zohran Mamdani suggests that a new generation is determined to chart a different course, one that prioritizes diplomacy, justice, and a more restrained approach to foreign policy. But whether this shift will be sustained remains to be seen. What role will a changing global order play in shaping the future of American interventionism?
Explore more insights on US foreign policy and the legacy of the Iraq War in our Middle East section.
