Think about the war between the United States and Iraq. To what degree, if any, did political culture play a role in the decision to go to war, the public’s support of the war, and how public officials discussed the war? Looking at this example, reflect back on historical events and provide another example of how a political culture affected policy preferences
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When analyzing the role of political culture in the decision to go to war, the public's support, and how public officials discussed the war, it is essential to consider the underlying beliefs, values, and attitudes that shape a country's political climate.
In the case of the war between the United States and Iraq, political culture played a significant role in several aspects:
1. Decision to go to war: The political culture of the United States, which emphasizes democracy, human rights, and interventionism, influenced the decision to go to war. The belief in spreading democracy and protecting national security interests played a role in the decision to engage militarily with Iraq.
2. Public support: Political culture shaped public opinion and support for the war. The cultural norms and values within American society, such as patriotism, a strong military tradition, and trust in government, influenced the public's willingness to support the war effort.
3. Public officials' discourse: Political culture influenced how public officials discussed the war and framed their justifications. References to American exceptionalism, notions of national security, and invoking the threat of weapons of mass destruction were part of the rhetoric used by public officials to garner support for the war within the broader cultural context.
Reflecting on historical events, another example of how a political culture affected policy preferences is the Cold War era between the United States and the Soviet Union.
1. Decision to engage in the Cold War: The political culture of the United States, which valued capitalism, individual freedom, and anti-communism, shaped the decision to engage in the Cold War. The fear of Soviet expansionism and the ideological clash between democratic capitalism and Soviet communism played significant roles in determining the policy preference to contain Soviet influence.
2. Public support: The political culture of the United States during the Cold War emphasized anticommunism and fear of the spread of communism. This cultural context influenced public support for policies such as the Truman Doctrine, the Korean War, and the arms race. The cultural norms and values of American society, including the fear of communist infiltration and the notion of standing up for freedom and democracy, influenced public opinion.
3. Public discourse: Political culture shaped how public officials talked about the Cold War. Invoking the threat of communism, promoting American values of freedom and democracy, and portraying the Soviet Union as an existential enemy were part of the rhetoric used by public officials to gain support for policies and military interventions during the Cold War era.
In both the example of the war between the United States and Iraq and the Cold War, the political culture of the respective countries influenced policy preferences, public support, and public officials' discourse. Understanding the role of political culture helps in comprehending the broader context that shapes political decisions and actions.