Why We Fight

Why We Fight presents a critical analysis of the United States’ military-industrial complex and its influence on American foreign policy since World War II. Directed by Eugene Jarecki, it takes its title from a series of propaganda films commissioned by the U.S. government during World War II. It uses archival footage, including President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1961 farewell address, as a framework to discuss the evolution of America’s approach to warfare.

The film features interviews with a diverse range of individuals, including politicians John McCain and Richard Perle, political scientist Chalmers Johnson, writer Gore Vidal, and public policy expert Joseph Cirincione. These perspectives contribute to a multifaceted discussion of the factors that have shaped U.S. military interventions over the past several decades.

Jarecki’s work also incorporates personal stories to illustrate the human impact of American military policies. One such narrative follows Wilton Sekzer, a retired New York City police officer and Vietnam veteran whose son was killed in the 9/11 attacks. It traces Sekzer’s journey from grief to a desire for revenge, culminating in his request to have his son’s name written on a bomb dropped during the Iraq War.

The documentary raises questions about the motivations behind American military actions, examining the complex interplay between political, economic, and ideological forces. It suggests that the military-industrial complex, as warned by Eisenhower, has gained significant influence over U.S. foreign policy decisions.