Rapid GeoPolitics : Who Assassinated JFK?

Geopolitical Situation (1945 – 1962)

Following the end of World War II in 1945, the global landscape was characterized by the emergence of the Cold War, a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. This era saw an ideological battle between capitalism and communism, influencing international relations and conflicts around the globe. Key events during this period included:

• The Truman Doctrine (1947): U.S. commitment to containing communism.
• The Marshall Plan (1948): Economic aid to rebuild Europe and counter communism.
• Korean War (1950-1953): North (communist) vs. South (democratic) Korea.
• Cuban Revolution (1959): Rise of Fidel Castro and establishment of a communist regime in Cuba.
• The Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961): A failed U.S. attempt to overthrow Castro, increasing tensions.

John F. Kennedy (JFK) became president in 1961 amid this volatile context.

JFK’s Vision

John F. Kennedy envisioned a world marked by peace and prosperity through diplomatic engagement rather than military confrontation. His famous inaugural address emphasized cooperation, peace, and the quest for freedom globally. Key aspects of JFK’s vision included:

• Peace Corps: Promoting peace and development in underdeveloped countries.
• Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (1963): Aims to prevent nuclear arms proliferation.
• Flexible Response Strategy: Moving away from a solely nuclear strategy to a more nuanced approach to warfare.
• Space Race: Competition with the USSR propelled advances in technology and industry.

JFK’s Adversaries

Kennedy faced multiple adversaries, both foreign and domestic:

• Cuban Leadership: After the disaster of the Bay of Pigs, Castro despised Kennedy and suspected U.S. attempts to assassinate him.
• Soviet Union: Heightened tensions after the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 could have made JFK a target.
• Anti-Castro Cubans: Resentful and radical groups who felt let down by U.S. policy towards Cuba.
• Domestic Political Foes: Elements within the government and the military establishment who opposed his initiatives and had different visions for U.S. foreign policy.

Three Most Plausible Scenarios for JFK’s Assassination

1. Lone Gunman Theory (Lee Harvey Oswald):

• Oswald was arrested shortly after the assassination and identified as the shooter. Official investigations, particularly the Warren Commission, concluded that he acted alone. Many accept this theory but remain skeptical of the thoroughness of the investigation.

1. Involvement of Cuban Exiles or Mafia:

• Some theorists argue that Cuban exiles, angered by Kennedy’s handling of Cuba, or organized crime groups, unhappy with the administration’s crackdown on Mafia activities could have orchestrated the assassination. Connections between organized crime, anti-Castro agents, and Oswald are often cited in this scenario.

1. Government Conspiracy:

• Another theory posits that elements within the U.S. government, including intelligence agencies (like the CIA), conspired to assassinate Kennedy because of his perceived weak stance against communism, his attempts at negotiating peace with the USSR, and his issues with the military-industrial complex.

Conclusion

The assassination of John F. Kennedy remains one of the most analyzed and controversial events in American history. While the official narrative supports the lone gunman theory, many alternative theories suggest a complex web of motives and actors. The geopolitical climate of the time was charged, with various factions potentially benefiting from JFK’s removal. The real motives and the identities of those truly behind the assassination may never be fully understood.

Sources

1. Warren Commission Report (1964).
2. “JFK: The CIA, Vietnam, and the Plot to Assassinate John F. Kennedy” by L. Fletcher Prouty.
3. “American Conspiracies: Lies, Lies, and More Lies” by Jim Marrs.
4. “The Assassination of John F. Kennedy: A Comprehensive Guide” by Richard Belzer.
5. “The Death of a President” by William Manchester.
6. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) documents related to the assassination.

These sources provide a foundation for deeper exploration into the assassination of JFK and the myriad of theories that surround it.

Cui Bono?

How the US military complex evolved from 1945 to 2024 both in yearly budget , wars and 900 military bases around the globe.

The evolution of the U.S. military complex from 1945 to 2024 can be understood through the lens of budget changes, the various conflicts and wars the U.S. has engaged in, and the establishment of military bases worldwide. Here’s a summary of these developments over the decades:

1945-1950: Post-War Adjustment and Early Cold War

• Budget: In the immediate post-war period, defense spending dramatically decreased as the U.S. transitioned from a wartime economy to peacetime, with a budget around $14 billion in 1947.
• Wars/Conflicts:
• The onset of the Cold War led to military buildup and new military strategies focusing on containment of communism.
• Global Presence: The U.S. began solidifying its military presence in Europe and Asia to counter Soviet influence.

1950-1960: Korean War and Intensified Cold War Climate

• Budget: By 1953, defense spending surged to approximately $50 billion, primarily due to the Korean War (1950-1953).
• Wars/Conflicts: The Korean War marked the first military action of the Cold War where U.S. forces fought alongside South Korean troops.
• Global Presence: The U.S. expanded its military presence globally, particularly in South Korea and Japan, establishing bases in response to perceived threats.

1960-1970: Vietnam War and Increased Military Expenditure

• Budget: Defense spending continued to rise, hitting around $80 billion by the late 1960s due to the Vietnam War, which escalated significantly after 1965.
• Wars/Conflicts: The Vietnam War led to intense domestic opposition, yet military spending remained a priority for successive administrations.
• Global Presence: The U.S. established more bases in Southeast Asia and continued to maintain a strong presence in Europe.

1970-1980: Post-Vietnam Reassessment

• Budget: After the Vietnam War, defense spending dipped to about $50 billion in the mid-1970s but began rising again towards the end of the decade as tensions with the Soviet Union escalated.
• Global Presence: The U.S. maintained bases in NATO countries and began focusing on the Middle East due to the oil crisis and geopolitical shifts.

1980-1990: Reagan Era Military Buildup

• Budget: Defense spending surged again, reaching approximately $300 billion by the late 1980s, driven by President Reagan’s policies and the arms race with the Soviet Union.
• Wars/Conflicts: Limited interventions (e.g., Grenada in 1983), increased military aid to anti-communist governments worldwide, and a focus on readiness.
• Global Presence: By the end of the1980s, the U.S. maintained over 1,000 military bases globally.

1990-2001: Gulf War and the End of the Cold War

• Budget: Following the Cold War, military spending slightly decreased, stabilizing around $250 billion by 1996.
• Wars/Conflicts: The Gulf War (1990-1991) highlighted U.S. military prowess and led to discussions about military interventionism in a unipolar world.
• Global Presence: Continued presence in Europe and increased military activity in the Middle East, including bases in the Persian Gulf region.

2001-2011: War on Terror and Expansion

• Budget: Defense spending ballooned to over $700 billion by 2011 due to the War on Terror, with the invasions of Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003).
• Wars/Conflicts: Ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as operations against terrorism in various regions.
• Global Presence: The U.S. expanded bases in Afghanistan and Iraq, solidifying a significant military footprint in the Middle East and parts of Africa.

2012-2020: Shift in Focus and Budget Stabilization

• Budget: Although defense spending began to stabilize around $600 billion, it remained elevated due to global threats, such as Russia and China.
• Wars/Conflicts: Continued military engagement in the Middle East, alongside a pivot to Asia in response to rising Chinese influence.
• Global Presence: The number of U.S. military bases remained around 800-900, with ongoing operations in multiple countries.

2021-2024: Renewed Focus on Great Power Competition

• Budget: The military budget for fiscal year 2024 is projected at around $842 billion, reflecting a focus on modernization and addressing geopolitical challenges.
• Wars/Conflicts: Increased military readiness concerning tensions with China and Russia, and ongoing efforts to reduce troop deployments in the Middle East while still responding to emerging threats.
• Global Presence: The network of military bases continues to play a critical role in U.S. strategy, with bases in strategic locations across Europe, Asia, and throughout the Middle East.

Summary

• Budget Growth: The U.S. military budget has grown from approximately $14 billion in 1947 to over $842 billion in 2024, reflecting shifts in global power dynamics and military strategy.
• Wars and Engagements: U.S. military involvement has transitioned from World War II and the Korean War through Vietnam, the Gulf War, and protracted conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, to a renewed focus on global competition.
• Global Bases: The presence of around 900 military bases globally underscores the U.S. strategy of deterrence and rapid response to threats.

This comprehensive understanding of the military complex’s evolution illustrates its adaptive nature to geopolitical changes and its focus on maintaining global dominance through extensive infrastructure and strategic engagements.

The US Imperialism from the Citoyen Lens

From a citoyen lens, current U.S. imperialism can be summarized as a complex and multifaceted exertion of influence characterized by military presence, economic dominance, and cultural hegemony, which often prioritizes American geopolitical interests at the expense of local autonomy and sovereignty in various regions around the world.