War Made Invisible

Main Themes and Topics

In "War Made Invisible," Norman Solomon delves into the troubling realities of America's continuous military involvement post-9/11. The book scrutinizes the country's foreign policy, which has resulted in perpetual warfare unseen and often unnoticed by the American public. Solomon highlights how military and civilian casualties become collateral damage in conflicts that receive minimal media attention.

A significant theme in the book is the role of the media in perpetuating this invisibility. Solomon contends that instead of holding power to account, the media aids in obscuring these endless wars through selective reporting and by echoing military rhetoric. Another critical aspect Solomon addresses is the technological advancements in warfare, such as drones and high-tech air power, which create a physical and psychological distance between the American military actions and the death and destruction they cause abroad.

Furthermore, Solomon sheds light on the domestic implications of this state of perpetual war, most notably how enormous Pentagon budgets continue to receive bipartisan support while domestic issues struggle for funding. Through comprehensive analysis, Solomon urges readers to rethink and recognize the considerable costs of these largely invisible wars.

Writing Style and Tone

Norman Solomon employs a clear and incisive writing style in "War Made Invisible." His tone is urgent and persuasive, as he navigates through the complexities of American military operations and their implications. Solomon combines thorough research with sharp criticism to make a compelling argument about the media-military nexus and its role in sustaining perpetual conflict. His style makes complex geopolitical and domestic policy discussions accessible to a wide readership, without sacrificing depth or rigor.

Brief Summary (no spoilers)

"War Made Invisible" by Norman Solomon is a powerful exposé that uncovers the opaque nature of the United States' continuous military engagements since the events of 9/11. Emphasizing the complicity of media in making these wars an invisible reality, Solomon examines the consequences of such conflicts both globally and domestically. From the perspective of military strategies and media complicity to the economic costs at home, Solomon's work is an essential examination of the hidden costs of endless military operations.