For decades, I've followed U.S. involvement in wars around the world where they have often dragged in their allies to combat as well. Many of these conflicts were unnecessary or deeply questionable, initiated or supported under the guise of defence, ideology, or geopolitical interest. The scale of human suffering and the wanton brutality in these wars is truly eye-watering. This list highlights key U.S. wars and interventions that have caused immense harm, often without clear justification, as well as conflicts where U.S. involvement has prolonged violence and instability.
Questionable U.S. Wars & Interventions 19th and Early 20th Century
Mexican–American War (1846–1848): War of expansion; Mexico lost half its territory to the U.S.
Spanish–American War (1898): Driven by expansionist ambitions and sensationalist press rather than genuine defence.
Philippine–American War (1899–1902): Suppressed Filipino independence, establishing U.S. colonial rule.
Mid 20th Century
Korean War (1950–1953): Entrenched Cold War divisions with high human cost and no lasting resolution.
Vietnam War (1955–1975): Ideologically driven; resulted in massive casualties with little strategic gain.
Late 20th Century
Dominican Republic Intervention (1965): Blocked a leftist government, undermining national self-determination.
Grenada Invasion (1983): Framed as citizen protection but largely a Cold War power display.
Panama Invasion (1989): Removed Noriega but caused civilian casualties and legal questions.
Kosovo War (1999): NATO bombing lacked UN approval, causing civilian harm and regional instability.
21st Century
Afghanistan War (2001–2021): Initial action justified, but long-term occupation failed to build a stable nation.
Iraq War (2003–2011): Based on false WMD claims; destabilised the Middle East for decades.
Libya Intervention (2011): Toppled Gaddafi but left the country fractured and unstable.
Broader Latin American Interventions
Guatemala (1954 coup): CIA-backed, protecting U.S. corporate interests, triggered decades of civil war.
Chile (1973 coup support): Helped overthrow a democratically elected leader, installing dictatorship.
Nicaragua (1980s Contra War): U.S.-funded paramilitaries prolonged conflict and human suffering.
Conflicts with Significant U.S. Involvement/Complicity
Gaza and the West Bank (Ongoing): Military aid and diplomatic protection have enabled repeated wars in Gaza and the occupation of the West Bank.
Yemen Civil War (2015–present): U.S. support of Saudi-led operations contributed to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Syria (2011–present): U.S. intervention and arms support added complexity, worsening instability and prolonging conflict.
-Cedar
Questionable U.S. Wars & Interventions 19th and Early 20th Century
Mexican–American War (1846–1848): War of expansion; Mexico lost half its territory to the U.S.
Spanish–American War (1898): Driven by expansionist ambitions and sensationalist press rather than genuine defence.
Philippine–American War (1899–1902): Suppressed Filipino independence, establishing U.S. colonial rule.
Mid 20th Century
Korean War (1950–1953): Entrenched Cold War divisions with high human cost and no lasting resolution.
Vietnam War (1955–1975): Ideologically driven; resulted in massive casualties with little strategic gain.
Late 20th Century
Dominican Republic Intervention (1965): Blocked a leftist government, undermining national self-determination.
Grenada Invasion (1983): Framed as citizen protection but largely a Cold War power display.
Panama Invasion (1989): Removed Noriega but caused civilian casualties and legal questions.
Kosovo War (1999): NATO bombing lacked UN approval, causing civilian harm and regional instability.
21st Century
Afghanistan War (2001–2021): Initial action justified, but long-term occupation failed to build a stable nation.
Iraq War (2003–2011): Based on false WMD claims; destabilised the Middle East for decades.
Libya Intervention (2011): Toppled Gaddafi but left the country fractured and unstable.
Broader Latin American Interventions
Guatemala (1954 coup): CIA-backed, protecting U.S. corporate interests, triggered decades of civil war.
Chile (1973 coup support): Helped overthrow a democratically elected leader, installing dictatorship.
Nicaragua (1980s Contra War): U.S.-funded paramilitaries prolonged conflict and human suffering.
Conflicts with Significant U.S. Involvement/Complicity
Gaza and the West Bank (Ongoing): Military aid and diplomatic protection have enabled repeated wars in Gaza and the occupation of the West Bank.
Yemen Civil War (2015–present): U.S. support of Saudi-led operations contributed to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Syria (2011–present): U.S. intervention and arms support added complexity, worsening instability and prolonging conflict.
-Cedar
