Why We Fight (2005) Watch Online Free

Why We Fight (2005) Watch Online

Why We Fight (2005) Watch Online Free

Director: Eugene Jarecki
Year: 2005 Rating: 81

Is American foreign policy dominated by the idea of military supremacy? Has the military become too important in American life? Jarecki’s shrewd and intelligent polemic would seem to give an affirmative answer to each of these questions.


Why We Fight (2005), directed by Eugene Jarecki, is a compelling documentary that delves into the influence of the military-industrial complex on American foreign policy. Drawing inspiration from President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1961 farewell address, where he warned about the undue power of the military-industrial complex, Jarecki presents a critical examination of how the complex shapes U.S. decisions, often pushing the country into unnecessary conflicts.

Plot Summary and Analysis

The documentary is structured around the idea that America’s military interventions, especially after World War II, are not solely based on national security concerns but also influenced by the economic interests of defense contractors, arms manufacturers, and politicians. Jarecki uses archival footage and interviews with experts, political figures, and citizens to present a multi-faceted view of the issue.

The film features perspectives from both Republicans and critics of U.S. military policy, such as Senators John McCain and Richard Perle, political scientist Chalmers Johnson, and writer Gore Vidal. These voices argue that the military-industrial complex has become a driving force behind U.S. military actions. The film also includes poignant personal stories, such as that of Wilton Sekzer, a Vietnam War veteran whose son died in the 9/11 attacks and whose grief leads him to request his son’s name be inscribed on a bomb dropped in Iraq.

Jarecki’s investigation reveals that the financial benefits of war are immense, with companies like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Halliburton profiting from prolonged military engagements. It challenges the viewer to question whether the U.S. is truly acting in its best interest or whether corporate influence has skewed its approach to foreign policy.

Themes and Impact

The central theme of Why We Fight revolves around the idea that the U.S. has adopted a militaristic approach to foreign policy that benefits corporations rather than the general public. The film explores the tension between the ideals of democracy and the reality of economic interests that drive political decisions, particularly military interventions. Jarecki’s approach to the subject matter is deeply critical of the post-WWII foreign policy, which he suggests has been motivated more by economic gain than by a genuine need to protect national security.

The documentary highlights the ethical dilemmas inherent in military interventions and questions whether these wars are justifiable. It also underscores the interconnectedness between politics, the arms industry, and the media, and how these entities work together to justify and perpetuate wars.

The film’s impact is multifaceted. For viewers, it serves as a wake-up call about the powerful forces that influence foreign policy decisions, often at the expense of civilian lives. The documentary challenges viewers to reassess their understanding of war, questioning whether the motives behind American military interventions are truly in line with the values the country claims to uphold.

10 Reasons to Watch Why We Fight

  1. Critical Insight into the Military-Industrial Complex: The documentary presents a thorough analysis of the power dynamics between government officials and defense contractors.
  2. Historical Context: It offers a historical perspective on U.S. military policy, starting from the Cold War to the Iraq War.
  3. Interviews with Experts: The film includes interviews with prominent figures like John McCain and Gore Vidal, offering a range of opinions on military policy.
  4. Personal Stories: The emotional narrative of Wilton Sekzer provides a human face to the abstract political themes.
  5. Ethical Questions: It raises important ethical questions about the justification of war and the role of economic interests in shaping foreign policy.
  6. Compelling Archival Footage: The documentary uses powerful archival footage to strengthen its arguments, including rare clips of Eisenhower’s farewell speech.
  7. A Focus on Consequences: Why We Fight emphasizes the real-world impact of U.S. military actions, such as the loss of life in the Iraq War.
  8. Educational Value: It serves as an informative resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of American military interventions.
  9. Provocative Perspective: The film challenges viewers to reconsider their assumptions about the motivations behind military action.
  10. Call to Action: By revealing the influence of corporate interests, the documentary urges viewers to think critically about their government’s foreign policy.

Emotional Takeaway

After watching Why We Fight, viewers may experience a mix of disillusionment and reflection. The documentary’s portrayal of how political and economic forces drive wars, often with devastating consequences, may leave viewers feeling frustrated or betrayed by the very institutions that are supposed to protect national interests. However, it also offers a powerful invitation to engage with the issue of military intervention, questioning whether it is always in the best interest of citizens. Ultimately, the film challenges its audience to reconsider their understanding of war and to think critically about the true motivations behind the decisions that shape U.S. foreign policy