Abstract Why did the United States invade Iraq in 2003? Most scholars cite the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), a neoconservative desire to spread democracy, or the placating of domestic interest groups as the Bush administration’s objectives, but I suggest these arguments are flawed. Instead, I proffer the “performative war” thesis resting on the concepts of status, reputation, and hierarchy to explain the Iraq war. Hegemons desire generalized deterrence, such that others do not challenge their territory, preferences, or rule. However, the challenging of a hegemon’s authority—as occurred on 9/11—generates a need to assert hegemony and demonstrate strength to a global audience. Only fighting a war can demonstrate such strength; no peaceful bargain, even a lopsided one, can achieve the same effect. Consistent with this framework, the United States fought Iraq mainly for its demonstration effect—defeating the recalcitrant Saddam would lead other states to fear the United States and submit to its authority and global order.

中文翻译：

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为什么美国在2003年入侵伊拉克？

摘要 美国为何在2003年入侵伊拉克？大多数学者将不扩散大规模杀伤性武器 (WMD)、传播民主的新保守主义愿望或安抚国内利益集团列为布什政府的目标，但我认为这些论点是有缺陷的。相反，我提出了基于地位、声誉和等级概念的“表演战争”论点来解释伊拉克战争。霸主渴望普遍的威慑，这样其他人就不会挑战他们的领土、偏好或统治。然而，对霸权权威的挑战——正如在 9/11 发生的那样——产生了向全球观众展示霸权和展示实力的需要。只有打仗，才能展现出这样的实力；没有和平的交易，即使是不平衡的交易，也能达到同样的效果。