Arguments for and against the Legitimacy of 2003 Invasion of Iraq Literature review

Arguments for and against the Legitimacy of 2003 Invasion of Iraq - Literature review Example Right through its history, America has not hesitated to use force under the pretexts of principles, sovereignty, and justice.   American military intervention in world affairs has risen drastically since the end of the Second World War.   The period following the Second World War saw America assume the role of a superpower that headed the western coalition in what was a bipolar world.   Since the collapse of Soviet Union, America has had at its disposal the most potent military force.   Its economic structure complements military spending; leading to a military industrial complex. Noted political commentator Ivo Daalder raises some valid questions regarding the legitimacy of the invasion.   Daalder argues that the invasion was illegitimate on two counts: 1.there was no provocation from Iraq and 2.the United Nations Security Council did not approve of the war.   Military actions of countries such as Iran and North Korea were condemned by the U.N. and the United States alike.   If the same standards were to be applied to all participant countries then the United States deserves its condemnation. On the other hand, supporters of the Bush Administration argue that toppling Saddam Hussein was a just act that needs no further legitimacyÃ'ŽÂ   Liberating the country from an oppressive dictatorship is deemed a just act in and of itself.   Apart from the geopolitical significance of Bush Administration’s militarism, the image of the country is also at stake.   Popular opinion in the rest of the world is very unfavorable towards Americans – they don’t seem to make a distinction between the government and its populace.   According to Robert Kagan, â€Å"To forge a renewed political consensus on the use of force, we first need to recognize that international legitimacy does matter. It matters to Americans, who want to believe they are acting justly and are troubled if others accuse them of selfish, immoral or otherwise illegitimate behavior. It matters to our democratic friends and allies, whose support may attest to the justness of the cause and whose participation may often be necessary to turn a military victory into a lasting political success.†