> -----Original Message-----
> From: lbo-talk-bounces at lbo-talk.org [mailto:lbo-talk-bounces at lbo-talk.org]
> On Behalf Of Wojtek Sokolowski
> Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2004 10:41 AM
> To: lbo-talk at lbo-talk.org
> Subject: RE: [lbo-talk] The end of warfare?
>
> Michael Dawson:
> > What was the central war objective in Vietnam? Iraq?
>
> This is a wrong question to ask, because it presupposes a certain concept
> of
> state. Specifically, it anthropomorphizes the state, treating it as if it
> were an individual human being. Only then the question about "central
> objective: makes sense. However, if we recognize that states are complex
> entities composed of various groups pursuing different agenda, the
> question
> should be asked central for whom?"
>
> It is quite common that single individuals do not pursue a single
> objective
> but multiple ones. If that is true of an individual, it is even more true
> of the state. Different power brokers might have very different goals in
> supporting the war. If I remember correctly, Wolfowitz was quite open
> about
> it, adding that they agreed on one official story for public consumption.
>
> Wojtek
>
>
>
>
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