Watch Standing Army

Standing Army is a powerful documentary that provides an in-depth look at the global network of US military bases and the impact they have on the countries that host them. Directed by Thomas Fazi and Enrico Parenti, the film features interviews with a wide range of experts, including activists, scholars, journalists, and military personnel.

The film explores the history of the US military's overseas presence, beginning with the establishment of bases in Japan after World War II. It then examines the current state of the network, which includes bases in more than 80 countries around the world. The filmmakers travel to several of these countries, including Japan, South Korea, Italy, and Germany, to speak with locals about their experiences living with the presence of US troops.

One of the most powerful parts of the film is the interview with Olivier Bancoult, a Chagos Islands native who fought for years to have his people's land returned to them after the US established a base on the island of Diego Garcia in the 1970s. Bancoult shares his personal story of being forcibly removed from his home and the devastating impact the base has had on the Chagos Islanders.

Standing Army also delves into the economic and political aspects of the US military's global presence. The film highlights the significant financial burden that hosting a US base can place on a country, as well as the ways in which the US military can influence local politics and foreign policy decisions.

Throughout the film, the interviewees raise important questions about the morality and legitimacy of the US military's global footprint. Noam Chomsky, one of the film's most prominent experts, argues that the US military's global presence is inherently imperialistic and runs counter to the principles of democracy and self-determination.

Overall, Standing Army is an engaging and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on a crucial but often overlooked aspect of US foreign policy. Through powerful interviews and vivid on-the-ground reporting, the film challenges viewers to consider the true costs and consequences of the US military's global empire.

Standing Army is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.