THE PUSHPIN PUNDIT

Philosophers Fighting the Last War

(posted May 5, 2006)

I was against the 1999 Kosovo operation while it was being waged. The initial worsening of the humanitarian situation seemed to confirm my fears, but then Yugoslavia capitulated and things got better. Eventually, I came to accept the general wisdom that legality aside, the Kosovo operation had good consequences overall.

So when the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003, I was undecided. In an article titled “Unauthorized Humanitarian Intervention,” published in the journal Social Philosophy & Policy, I even wrote the following: “Is the United States a benevolent, huggable hegemon or a malevolent, reckless rogue?... I am disposed to believe that the effects of American intervention will likely be good.” Boy, do I wish I could have that last line back.

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