The effects of cultural patterns upon American and Iraqi political culture as demonstrated by the Persian Gulf War

The Persian Gulf War effectively demonstrates the influential role culture occupies in the decision making process of a nation when choosing a method of conflict resolution. The components of culture (religion, technology, language, and the extent of xenophobia) must be analyzed to illuminate culture's influence upon political culture. As culture and political culture are difficult concepts to grasp, definitions of each will be formulated. Research will be limited to the cultures of the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq and their subsequent political cultures. Results indicate that culture guides decision makers at the political level in choosing a method of conflict resolution. When cultures contain these specific elements: viewing all as good or evil, justifying political acts as of national interest, and a high degree of xenophobia, there is a high probability that a violent means of conflict resolution will be utilized. The cultures of the United States of America and Iraq contained these elements.