Why We Fight Poster

Why We Fight 2005

★ 7.5121 votes98 min📅 2005-01-20

"It Is Nowhere Written That The American Empire Goes On Forever"

Eugene Jarecki's incisive 2005 documentary *Why We Fight* dissects the evolution of American military influence, probing whether foreign policy decisions are driven by a pursuit of global dominance.

Director: Eugene Jarecki

Cast

Chalmers Johnson
Self - CIA, 1967-1973
Joseph Cirincione
Self - Carnegie Endowment for Peace
Gore Vidal
Gore Vidal
Self - Author, "Imperial America"
Charles Lewis
Self - Center for Public Integrity
Richard Perle
Richard Perle
Self - Advisor, U.S. Dept. of Defense
William Kristol
William Kristol
Self - Project for the New American Century
John McCain
John McCain
Self - Senator (R/AZ)
Ken Adelman
Self
John Ashcroft
John Ashcroft
Self (archive footage)
Osama bin Laden
Osama bin Laden
Self (archive footage)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *Why We Fight* (2005) about?

This documentary investigates the forces shaping American foreign policy, particularly the role of military supremacy in national decision-making. It questions whether the U.S. has become reliant on conflict and whether this reliance serves the public interest or the interests of a powerful few.

Who directed *Why We Fight*?

The film was directed by Eugene Jarecki, a filmmaker known for his critical examinations of American society and power structures.

Who stars in *Why We Fight*?

The documentary features prominent voices such as Chalmers Johnson, Joseph Cirincione, Gore Vidal, Charles Lewis, Richard Perle, and William Kristol.

Is *Why We Fight* (2005) worth watching?

As a sharp, thought-provoking documentary, *Why We Fight* offers a timely critique of military-industrial dynamics. Its blend of expert insight and compelling storytelling makes it a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of politics, history, and power.

How long is *Why We Fight*?

The film runs for 98 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Why We Fight (2005) — A probing look at America's military-industrial complex

Eugene Jarecki's incisive 2005 documentary *Why We Fight* dissects the evolution of American military influence, probing whether foreign policy decisions are driven by a pursuit of global dominance. Through sharp interviews with policy experts, historians, and critics like Gore Vidal, the film examines the growing entanglement of defense interests with national identity, questioning whether perpetual war has become ingrained in the fabric of American life.

With a tone that balances urgency and intellectual rigor, Jarecki crafts a polemic that challenges the notion that endless military supremacy is an inevitable or desirable path for the United States. The documentary weaves archival footage, candid conversations, and stark observations into a compelling argument about power, accountability, and the cost of empire—all while leaving audiences to consider what lies ahead for a nation at the crossroads of its own history.