Viewpoints: Why American Anti-War Protests Are Crucial

On February 28, I stood with 40-50 other protesters outside the courthouse in Pittsboro, Many of us have been doing this every week for almost a year, but 2026 has raised the stakes. A year that began with the US attacking Venezuela and kidnapping its president and his wife has now seen us attacking Iran (while pretending to negotiate) for the second time in less than a year. We also continue to give Israel unlimited financial, military and diplomatic support as it destroys south Lebanon, continues its genocide in Gaza, encroaches into Syria, and of course partners with the US in its unprovoked war in Iran. The US role in what could become a third world war — one possibly including nuclear weapons — means our responsibilities as citizens of this hyper-aggressive nation are perhaps more crucial than ever.

Many of us were inspired, rightly, by the valiant and well-organized Minneapolis protests which, at great cost, appear to have reduced ICE and CPB activity in the city. Many are also looking forward to the March 28 “No Kings” protests. This day will definitely be an opportunity for Americans to push back against the fascism we see rising in the US, and to reassert the need to end foreign wars.

Everyone has seen the breakdowns of the staggering billions the US has already spent on the Iran war. We know the many urgent needs in health care, education, nutrition assistance, medical and climate research that this money could go towards. This war of Trump’s choice is dramatically unpopular, and poll after poll shows that Americans feel that our country is on the wrong path.

Definitely, the “No Kings” day is a significant opportunity that Americans cannot afford to waste if we want to protect our people, our resources, and our constitution. But I hope our protests will also focus on the harm that US militarism and economic hegemony have done to the rest of the planet, especially since World War II. Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Gaza — the list goes on and on. It is  an enormous moral debt. Other countries are now also in the crosshairs: Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Greenland… there appear to be no limits.

We also, I think, need to search for ways to extend our involvement beyond showing up for mass protests. The Minneapolis protests succeeded because they were not only passionate but well-organized. Like many others, I’m aiming to become involved beyond even the emotionally satisfying weekly protests. And I’m looking for ways to focus not just on the trauma and repression we experience here in the Trump era, but on the unique responsibility that I feel US citizens have towards the rest of the world.

I hope that millions of other Americans feel a similar need, and that we can use that “No Kings” energy to build strong organizations. I know that various groups are mounting efforts towards this goal. I hope this spring will be a season of renewal and action.