Sina Raymand – International Relations Researcher
This concept, sometimes discussed as “Imperial Peace,” has been associated with numerous historical examples. But is such peace sustainable? And from a strategic perspective, what consequences does it have for the aggressor power?
This commentary critiques this approach by referencing historical cases, drawing on analyses and theories from political science and international relations scholars, and focusing on the West Asia region.

Historical Cases of “Peace Through Force” and Their Outcomes

The first example in this regard is the U.S. military intervention in Iraq (2003) and its claim of establishing democracy.

• The U.S. government’s primary claim was that it invaded Iraq under the pretext of combating terrorism and spreading democracy. George W. Bush stated in his 2003 speech:
  “We entered this war to liberate Iraq and bring stability to the Middle East.” (Bush, 2003)
• But what were the actual results of this action?
  • Increased instability: According to a report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Iraq became one of the most insecure countries in the world following the 2003 invasion.
  • Rise of extremist groups: The emergence of ISIS in 2014 was directly linked to the power vacuum created by the U.S. in Iraq. (Hassan, 2016)
  • Human and economic costs: The outcome included over one million deaths and a $2 trillion cost for the U.S. (Costs of War Project, 2021)

Another case is NATO’s occupation of Afghanistan (2001–2021) and the failure of its nation-building project.

• The initial justification for the invasion was the fight against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
• What were the final results?
  • Return of the Taliban: Despite two decades of NATO’s military presence, the Taliban regained control of the country in 2021. (Rashid, 2021)
  • Failed nation-building: According to a Carnegie Endowment study, the Western-backed government was corrupt and unaccountable. (Carnegie Endowment, 2020)

From a Strategic Perspective, Why Does “Peace Through Force” Fail?

Michael Mann’s “Fragile Empires” Theory

• In The Dark Side of Democracy (2005), Mann argues that empires relying on force to control societies face increasing resistance and eventual collapse—a theory exemplified by the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan.

John Mearsheimer’s “Unstable Hegemony” Theory

• In The Tragedy of Great Power Politics (2001), Mearsheimer emphasizes that any attempt to impose order through force is doomed to fail because nations resist foreign domination. The Vietnamese resistance against the U.S. (1965–1975) is a classic case study.

Mohammed Abed Al-Jabri’s “Human Security” Perspective

• Al-Jabri, an Arab analyst, argues in his analysis of West Asia that real peace is only possible through social justice and popular participation, not foreign intervention. He cites the failure of U.S. democratization projects in West Asia as evidence.

Case Study: The Failed Model of “Peace Through Force” in West Asia

There is no need to look far for historical examples disproving “Peace through Force.” Over the last three decades, foreign interventions in West Asia have only exacerbated crises. In short:

• The rise of ISIS was a consequence of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003.
• More than a decade of civil war in Syria resulted from Western support for opposition forces in 2011.

A closer look reveals that the “strengthening of the resistance discourse” is also a result of unlawful and unilateral sanctions against Iran.

This strategy has had strategic costs for the intervening powers:

• The U.S., after its wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, has faced declining international legitimacy.
• The Zionist regime, despite its military superiority (thanks to Western support), has not only failed to overcome Palestinian resistance but has intensified it.

Why Is This Strategy Doomed to Fail?

As Mearsheimer’s theory suggests, societies respond to foreign imposition with popular resistance.
Moreover, cases like Afghanistan show that aggressor powers get trapped in prolonged wars, incurring economic and political costs.
Human rights violations and breaches of national sovereignty weaken the international legitimacy of these powers, eroding the global order that has long served their interests.

Thus, real peace is achieved not through force but through dialogue, justice, and respect for national sovereignty. West Asia’s experience proves that foreign interventions under the guise of “stabilization” have actually increased instability. Trump should remember that “Peace through Force” is not only unsustainable but also leads to deeper crises.

Academic References:

• Mearsheimer, J. (2001). The Tragedy of Great Power Politics. W.W. Norton.
• Mann, M. (2005). The Dark Side of Democracy: Explaining Ethnic Cleansing. Cambridge University Press.
• Costs of War Project (2021). The Human and Economic Costs of the Iraq War. Brown University.
• Rashid, A. (2021). The Return of the Taliban: Afghanistan After the Americans Left. Yale University Press.