The ongoing military conflict between Iran and the combined forces of the United States and Israel has revived the age-old debate whether the overseas military bases of the United States serve to enhance the security of the United States and its allies or expose them to greater danger.

For several decades, the United States has been relying on its extensive overseas military base network, which serves as a major component of its global security strategy, which developed during the Cold War to counter the perceived and actual threats of adversary countries. Currently, the United States has established approximately 750 military bases in more than 80 countries. As highlighted in several reports published by the Congressional Research Service, the extensive network of military bases in various countries has enabled the United States to undertake military operations quickly and respond to emergencies in various regions.

Nevertheless, the recent military conflict in Iran has posed a strategic conundrum to the United States and other global actors. In the modern age of technology, where accuracy and automation have become key characteristics of weaponry, military bases have become more vulnerable and often force host countries to participate in conflicts that they had not initiated.

A Target in Modern Warfare

The strategic rationale for the presence of overseas military bases has traditionally been deterrence. By placing military assets in close proximity to areas of possible conflict, the United States sends a message to its allies of commitment and to its enemies of the cost of hostilities.

However, recent conflicts have shown that this model may not have the intended effect. Researchers at the Center for Strategic and International Studies........

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