What is to gained by going to war? Common Sense Economics routinely considers what others prefer not to think about. WWII was unique in that the United States was attacked before going to war. Hawaii was territory gained from a 19th century imperialist foreign policy. What would U.S. involvement in WWII have been like had we never occupied Hawaii? It would have been different and maybe not at all.
The unintended consequences of war outweigh any benefits in all but a few conflicts. If the U.S. has any viable choice other than going to war, the unintended consequences that accumulate as history’s timeline continues will outweigh the intended benefits.
History show us that many conflicts are started based on contrived circumstances and intentional deception. Vietnam and the Spanish American war are both examples.
Always remember that a foreign war we fight and forget is the biggest even in the history of the country where the conflict is fought. In Afghanistan and Iraq the recent war will dominate their thinking on foreign policy for hundreds of years, long after Americans have forgotten. Has American involvement been 100% moral? If it has not been, the unintended consequences will be negative and sever. The United States does not have to lose a war to take a loss for having participated in a war.
Going to war to accomplish a goal is a sucker’s bet. The goal may be met but the overall consequences render the war effort counterproductive.
Natural law cannot be proved, only observed. Observation alone tells us that an activity with an immoral beginning generates a negative outcome. There is no exception with war.