War Policies of Democrats and Republicans in USA since 9/11: Perils and Prospects

Abstract

In light of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks the war policies of both Republicans and Democrats in the United States have been strategically different. This study examines how the two main political parties took different tracks in dealing with the problems of terrorism and upholding U. S. security even though they both shared a commitment to national security. The historical background of pre-9/11 war policies and the immediate bipartisan consensus that characterized the early response to the attacks are described at the beginning of the paper. The study concentrates on Republican administrations and explores the neoconservative policies of the George W. Bush administration marked by the use of unilateral action and military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. It also looks at Donald Trump’s America First strategy which prioritized stepping up counterterrorism efforts while reducing military engagement overseas. Barack Obama's emphasis on diplomacy covert operations and multilateralism as well as Joe Biden's emphasis on putting an end to forever wars and giving non-military means of power priority are used to evaluate Democratic war policies. A comparative analysis reveals differences in multilateralism military engagement and the balance between security and civil liberties while highlighting similarities in counterterrorism priorities and technological advancements. This study also assesses how these policies affect the US’s reputation and standing in the world. Through analyzing academic discussions and critiques of the strategies of both parties this study offers a sophisticated perspective on how political ideologies have influenced U.S. post-9/11 war policy and its wider ramifications for upcoming foreign policy plans.