The U.S. in the 20th century has intervened in a number of places across the globe and fought several wars. What do these wars/"actions" have in common?

any thoughts?

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Please post what you think.

There are big differences between the scope and reasons for US participation in wars (or "actions") in Korea, Iraq, Serbia, Cuba, Viet Nam, Grenada and Panama.

About the only common thread I can see is perceived US interests, US troops, weapons and casualties. The brief US (Air Force only) action by Clinton that forced Serbia to stop "ethnic cleansing' in Bosnia and Kosovo was perhaps the closest to being bloodless and justifiable by human rights considerations.

To identify what these wars and actions have in common, we need to analyze the historical context and objectives of the U.S. interventions in the 20th century. Here are some key points to consider:

1. National security: Many of these interventions involved protecting or advancing U.S. national security interests. This could include preventing the spread of communism, countering terrorism, safeguarding access to vital resources, or defending allies.

2. Ideological conflicts: Cold War dynamics played a significant role in shaping U.S. interventions during the 20th century. The United States was often involved in conflicts with ideologies that challenged its own, such as communism or authoritarianism.

3. Economic interests: Economic considerations were often a factor in U.S. interventions. This could involve protecting trade routes, securing access to natural resources, or promoting favorable economic conditions for American businesses.

4. Humanitarian reasons: Humanitarian interventions aimed at stopping human rights abuses or protecting civilian populations also occurred, although they were not as frequent as interventions driven by strategic or economic interests.

5. Geopolitical influence: The U.S. sought to exert influence and maintain its position as a global superpower during the 20th century. Interventions were sometimes driven by the desire to shape geopolitical outcomes, establish military bases, or strengthen international alliances.

It is important to note that each intervention had its own unique context, motivations, and outcomes. Analyzing specific conflicts, such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, or interventions in Latin America, can offer further insights into the reasons behind U.S. involvement and highlight additional commonalities.