I don't think it's an indication of progressiv-*ism* as in a coherent worldview. I do think that American working people not wanting to kill and/or die in faraway places just because the government, media, intellectuals want them to is objectively progressive -- one of the hard-won gains from anti-Vietnam War movements that capital wants to rid us of. (And I don't think this sentiment of ordinary people -- not wanting to be used and used up -- has much in common with the worldview of Buchanan, Gingrich, etc.)
That many Americans think their lives, their friends' lives, and their families' lives are too precious to be handed over to the U.S. military is one of the few good signs for the Left and something that has been distressing the U.S. government.
In Japan also, the American and Japanese governing elite have been trying to get rid of the 'pacifism' of the populace: ***** from Patrick M. Cronin, "The U.S.-Japan Alliance Redefined," _Strategic Forum_ 75, May 1996, (published by Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University), available at <http://www.ndu.edu/inss/strforum/forum75.html>
...A third achievement has been to continue to spark a broad public debate in Japan on its role and the importance of the alliance. Because of the legacy of World War II in Japan, *pacifism is deeply rooted in the popular mindset*; and, as a consequence of the American security umbrella, many Japanese assume that security is as automatic and plentiful as oxygen. While Japanese officials have long known otherwise, *there is a chasm between the policy-making elite and the electorate in Japan* about the responsibilities of creating and preserving regional security.... (emphasis mine) *****
Where does 'peace-keeping' fit into this picture of elite discontent with popular 'pacifism'?: ***** Toshio Saito, _Strategic Forum_ 163, May 1999, (published by Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University), available at <http://www.ndu.edu/inss/strforum/forum163.html>
...Contribution to a more stable security environment. The SDF contributes to international peace efforts by participating in UN Peacekeeping Operations and international disaster relief activities. It promotes *confidence-building* measures through security dialogues and other defense-related exchange activities with other nations.... (emphasis mine) *****
The rhetoric of 'peace-keeping' is a wedge used in their efforts to move people in rich countries (such as Japan, Germany, Australia, and America) away from their gut-level reluctance to participate in the imperial armed forces, while people in poor countries are at the same time being wooed by the same rhetoric to have 'confidence' in them.
Yoshie