In your mind, is economic aid from the United States equivalent to the US participating in said war? For example the US recently increased economic aid to Yemen. It is worth noting that the US also increased military presence in Yemen as well. However for this example, let’s assume that the US didn’t have any military in Yemen. If the US only gave economic aid to Yemen for the purposes of waging war, is that the same as the US fighting in the region? To me it is a tough question. Many people would say that supporting something financially is a far cry from being involved in that very thing. However others would argue that when the US sends funds to fight a war, the US is actually fighting that war.
Where do you draw the line?
For me personally I believe that it is almost the same thing as placing troops in a country. When the US gives aid to another army, we might as well be sending our troops there. However it is always a less risky move on the part of the United States because we don’t gain as much of a nefarious reputation for giving money as we would for occupying another country.
Do you think it is acceptable to send funds to a nation experiencing a war? What ethical issues does this raise?
