Many people have discredited the Bush Administration for their institution of preemptive warfare. Historically, the National Security Strategy, released by every president to define his/her broad national defense policy, has included the option of preemptive warfare. Since modernity has created enemies markedly different than traditional nation versus nation battles, was Bush put in a position where he needed to utilize a military strategy that had been derived decades before? Was this inevitable, or was it forced?

Note: I am discussing preemption as a theory, as well as its subsequent validity or invalidity. This should not be misconstrued as a Bush-bashing post; it is meant to provoke thoughtful debate regarding a military strategy, not the actual engagement the current administration has initiated.

I say pre-emptive warfare, or call it Wolfowitz Doctrine or whatever, is justified and common sense; ignoring it, is not. I'll make a metaphore: when someone swings at you in the bar, ar you going to knock him out before he gets a chance to hit you, or wait 'till his fist slams you and then start fighting, fully justified?
This blunder of suicidal pacisifsm was commited many times in history though, Anschluss of Austria is a great example. Germany amassed troops on the border with Austria, but no one cared to prevent her aggressive actions with dsplay of force while Hitler wasn't strong ehough yet to take on England and France. Of course later it was too late to show any force, for which Allies paid millions of lives later to eradicated malignant tumor of Nazism. If any of these countries would have guts to show "aggresive" intentions towards Nazi Germany in its early years and, defeating fledgling Nazi army would be MUCH easier in 20-30s than it was in 1940s. I believe same maxim applies towards modern diplomacy/politics.

"Thus it happens in matters of state; for knowing afar off (which it is only given a prudent man to do) the evils that are brewing, they are easily cured. But when, for want of such knowledge, they are allowed to grow so that everyone can recognize them, there is no longer any remedy to be found."

from The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli

(Reply moved to first thread on whether preemption is justified)

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