over the past 75 years, the U.S. has primarily engaged in conflicts with smaller nations rather than confronting major military powers directly. Here’s a general timeline of U.S. military interventions:

1. Korean War (1950-1953) – Fought against North Korea (and indirectly China and the Soviet Union), ending in an armistice.

2. Vietnam War (1955-1975) – A long and costly conflict against North Vietnam, which eventually led to U.S. withdrawal.

3. Invasion of Grenada (1983) – A small-scale operation to overthrow a leftist government.

4. Invasion of Panama (1989) – To remove Manuel Noriega from power.

5. Gulf War (1991) – A large coalition war against Iraq after it invaded Kuwait.

6. Intervention in Somalia (1992-1994) – Initially a humanitarian mission, it escalated into military conflict.

7. Kosovo War (1999) – U.S. and NATO airstrikes against Serbia.

8. Afghanistan War (2001-2021) – Longest U.S. war, fighting the Taliban and later ISIS.

9. Iraq War (2003-2011) – Overthrew Saddam Hussein, leading to prolonged instability.

10. Intervention in Libya (2011) – NATO-led operation that led to the fall of Gaddafi.

11. Ongoing drone strikes and military operations – In Yemen, Syria, and several African countries.

Pattern:

• Most of these conflicts were asymmetrical wars against weaker nations or insurgent groups.

• The U.S. has avoided direct military conflicts with major powers like China or Russia.

• The justification for many of these wars was framed around fighting communism, terrorism, or promoting democracy.