Nation-Building, The American Way

The United States has conducted nation-building operations since 1898 and does so in a uniquely American way. Nation-building is the intervention in the affairs of a nation-state for the purpose of changing the state's method of government and when the United States pursues these efforts there is one goal - democratization. Removing existing governments requires force, and history has shown that the Army is the force of choice. The story of America's nation- building efforts starts with the Spanish-American War when the United States decided that Cuba and the Philippines should no longer be colonies of Spain. After defeating Spain in Cuba and routing their forces from the Philippines, the United States began nation-building efforts to establish democratic governments that were representative of the populace. This paper examines select nation-building operations beginning in Cuba and the Philippines. The success of transforming post WWII Germany and Japan are described, as are the failures in Somalia and Haiti, and the ongoing efforts in Bosnia and Kosovo. It concludes with an examination of the Herculean efforts that will be required if the United States is to see success in Afghanistan. The United States is reluctant to use the term nation-building and for this reason, many military personnel do not understand the critical role the military plays in this mission. It is a role that extends long past the time that battles, campaigns, and wars have been won. The military, specifically the Army as the ground presence and symbol of America's commitment, is required to remain in place long after the fight has been won in order to create the conditions for democracy to take root. This is the reason why Army officers need to understand why and how the United States builds nations.