The Unpopular War on Iran: A Historic Chance to Rebuild America's Anti-War Movement
Americans overwhelmingly oppose the current war on Iran, yet the once-vibrant anti-war movement remains significantly weaker than in past eras. This conflict, initiated without congressional approval and supported by only a minority of the public, presents a critical opportunity to revitalize organized opposition to US military adventures.
Historical Context: From Vietnam to Iran
In stark contrast to today's sentiment, past US wars often enjoyed strong initial public backing. The Vietnam War, for instance, began with over 60% support in 1964, while the Iraq invasion saw approval soar to 74% a month after it started. However, the war on Iran breaks this pattern, with polls indicating majority opposition from the outset and a mere 17% of Americans trusting the government to act rightly.
This dramatic shift in public opinion has not yet translated into a robust anti-war movement, despite the conflict's unpopularity. The decline of social associational life, disillusionment from failed global revolutions, and the transition to remote warfare have all contributed to this organizational gap.
Lessons from Vietnam: Raising the Cost of War
During the Vietnam War, anti-war activists successfully increased the social, economic, and political costs of conflict to unsustainable levels. Strategies included shifting public sentiment, pressuring allied governments, organizing boycotts like that against Dow Chemical, and disrupting military capacity through draft resistance and soldier organizing.
These efforts, combined with Vietnamese resilience, ultimately forced a US withdrawal in 1973 without achieving Washington's objectives. The key lesson: making war too costly can compel retreat, even against a militarily superior foe.
Changed Conditions and New Opportunities
Today's context differs markedly from the 1960s. Associational life has frayed, with Americans becoming more atomized and reliant on digital platforms. The international landscape lacks the wave of victorious emancipatory struggles that once inspired activists, and warfare has shifted toward remote methods like drones and airstrikes, reducing US casualties but increasing expenses.
However, these changes also open new possibilities. The longing for community offers chances to rebuild social institutions on more inclusive bases. Anti-imperialist struggles, such as Palestine's, demonstrate that organizing can thrive even in unfavorable conditions. Moreover, the exorbitant cost of modern war—exemplified by the US spending nearly $13 billion in the first six days on Iran—exacerbates domestic issues like the affordability crisis, creating leverage for activists.
Practical Steps for Anti-War Organizing
- Start by talking in person: Move beyond online debates to engage neighbors, coworkers, and community members. Build collective vision through direct conversation, linking war concerns to everyday issues like gas prices or civil liberties.
- Connect the issues: Show how the war on Iran ties to urgent domestic grievances, from rising living costs to racism and democratic erosion. This broadens the anti-war base and clarifies how to raise costs for Washington.
- Pressure politicians strategically: Use elections, especially midterms, to make opposition to imperialist wars a litmus test. Target vulnerable politicians who need anti-war votes to win.
- Focus on key sectors: Organize workers in manufacturing, logistics, and media—critical points where imperial policy is implemented. Efforts like refusing Defense Department contracts can disrupt war capacity.
- Isolate Israel: Highlight how US support for Israel wastes taxpayer money and risks American lives. Pressure points include aid, tourism, and academic partnerships.
- Plan for the long haul: Build sustainable organizations beyond one-off protests. Develop groups that pool resources, deliberate strategy, and engage supporters in ongoing movement building.
Conclusion: A Favorable Moment for Change
The American public is more informed, distrustful of the state, and critical of US imperialism than ever before. With vision, commitment, and organization, it is possible to collectively end this war and prevent future conflicts. The missing ingredients are within our control—now is the time to act.
