Nournews : Trump’s executive order to restore the historic title “Department of War” is more than a simple nominal change. It represents a return to an aggressive approach in U.S. foreign policy. The use of such a title underscores military power and readiness for global interventions. This order also sends a clear signal to both allies and adversaries in sensitive regions of the world, indicating Washington’s intent to emphasize “pressure and threats” as a principle of foreign policy.

Reverting to the name “Department of War” recalls an approach seen during the world wars and the Cold War era: a symbol of domination and preparation for large-scale military confrontation, with serious consequences for global security.

The human and economic costs of militarism

America’s militaristic policies in the Middle East and beyond have brought immense human and economic costs. According to the Watson Institute, from 2001 to 2023 more than 940,000 people were killed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and Pakistan, of whom over 432,000 were civilians.

Regional economies have also been directly affected by these interventions. The costs of America’s wars are estimated at over $8 trillion, covering military expenditures, healthcare for the wounded, reconstruction of devastated areas, and expenses related to migration and refugees. These figures demonstrate that Washington’s militaristic policies not only threaten millions of lives but also inflict destructive economic consequences on regional countries and even U.S. allies.

Violation of international law and political consequences

America’s war-driven policies have resulted in blatant violations of international law and national sovereignty. Unconditional support for Israel in the massacre of Palestinians in Gaza, military interventions in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, active involvement in the Ukraine war through military and non-military aid to Kyiv, direct attacks on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities, and recent threats against Venezuela are examples of actions that contradict the principles of the United Nations and international law.

International law, national sovereignty, and collective security are the pillars of global stability; yet U.S. policies have undermined these frameworks. The revival of the “Department of War” symbolizes prioritizing military force over diplomacy and international law, revealing Washington’s focus on maximum pressure and military threats instead of multilateral solutions.

Threat to global stability

The return to the title “Department of War” extends beyond the United States, carrying wide-ranging strategic implications for global security. It could intensify military and political rivalries, drive up arms purchases, and fuel international mistrust.

With such symbolic measures, Trump’s policy increases the likelihood of direct or proxy conflicts in the Middle East, Latin America, and even East Asia. These policies can also trigger cycles of instability, arms races, and the weakening of international institutions, raising the risk of regional and global confrontations.