The fall of the Soviet Union signaled the United States no longer following the “containment policy,” and had to navigate uncertainty in conducting military operations. Operation Desert Storm began after Iraqi President Saddam Hussein invaded the neighboring nation, and United States ally, Kuwait. Operation Desert Storm ended quickly, with the aid of coalition members, predominantly from Europe, and was highly successful in maintaining the territorial sovereignty of Kuwait. This military intervention led to the rise of the United States government hoping future military operations would be limited and brief, with the overarching objective of protecting nations from aggressor actors. Therefore demonstrating a perceived responsibility on behalf of the United States, to intervene for nations that were incapable of repelling and enemy nation.
