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The Vietnam War lasted for 30 years and had dire consequences for both, America as well as Vietnam. However, these consequences where not short lived. Some had long lasting effects on the society, economy, politics and foreign policy. The war led thousands of Americans to question their own countries approach towards conflicts on foreign shores as well the level of risk it takes when partaking in such wars. It also raised several questions on how these wars were conducted and the morality of troops sent to fight wars on foreign soil.
The war changed the way people thought of their own troops and the effects a war had on the well being of the soldiers and their families. The death toll of its own troops or the scores of civilian deaths has not prevented the US from intervening in international conflicts. The government struggles to balance the economy and appease tax payers, it also continues to wage wars on foreign shores. As President Bush jr. aptly named the American warfare method of ‘Shock and Awe’, the US avoids using ground troops in combats, preferring massive, if inaccurate, air strikes to eliminate.
Civilian casualties incurred during such strikes continue to be called collateral damage. Billions of dollars continue to be spent on developing weapons and defense technology that could as easily be used in an offensive. In all likelihood, the primary focus of warfare in the future will be North Korea, Iran and Pakistan, with an increasing Neo-Cold-War with China. American involvement in the Middle East crisis will remain at the same level, if not increase, over the next few years.
