38. Ripple Effect

The “Vietnam Syndrome” encapsulates a pervasive public sentiment urging the USA to abstain from foreign military engagements unless directly threatened. In the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan vocally criticized this mindset, challenging the widespread belief—held by 72% in polls—that America’s involvement in Vietnam was a mistake.

Reagan asserted that the conflict represented a noble effort to defend South Vietnam’s democracy and that to succumb to the Vietnam Syndrome was to dishonor the sacrifices of Americans. Despite Reagan’s convictions, the syndrome’s influence waned only slightly, with the post-9/11 War on Terror garnering broad support. Yet, a significant majority, 66%, continue to believe the Vietnam War was an unnecessary entanglement.