Now for some balance :
The end of the Cold War is generally marked by the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991. Since then, the United States has engaged in various military interventions, operations, and actions that have been characterized by some as acts of aggression. Below is a list of notable instances where the U.S. has employed military force or significant intervention abroad, based on historical events. This list focuses on direct military engagements, interventions, or operations perceived as aggressive by affected parties or critics, without assigning judgment on their justification or outcomes.

Invasion of Panama (1989–1990)
Operation Just Cause: Launched in December 1989 (technically just before the Soviet Union's collapse but often included in post-Cold War discussions), the U.S. invaded Panama to oust General Manuel Noriega, citing drug trafficking and threats to American citizens. The operation resulted in hundreds of Panamanian deaths and significant destruction.

Gulf War (1990–1991)
Operation Desert Storm: Initiated in August 1990 after Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, the U.S.-led coalition launched a massive air and ground campaign in January 1991 to expel Iraqi forces. While broadly supported internationally, some critics viewed it as an overreach of American power to secure oil interests.

Somalia Intervention (1992–1995)
Operation Restore Hope: Starting in December 1992, the U.S. led a UN-backed mission to address humanitarian crises amid civil war. The mission escalated into conflict, notably the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, where U.S. forces clashed with Somali militias, leading to American casualties and a controversial withdrawal.

Haiti Intervention (1994–1995)
Operation Uphold Democracy: In September 1994, the U.S. deployed forces to restore President Jean-Bertrand Aristide after a military coup. While framed as a peacekeeping effort, it involved military pressure and was seen by some as interference in Haitian sovereignty.

NATO Bombing of Yugoslavia (1999)
Operation Allied Force: From March to June 1999, the U.S. led NATO airstrikes against Serbia to stop ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. The campaign, conducted without UN Security Council approval, killed civilians and damaged infrastructure, drawing accusations of aggression from Serbia and its allies.

War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
Operation Enduring Freedom: Launched in October 2001 after the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power. The prolonged occupation and civilian casualties led to widespread criticism of American overreach.

Iraq War (2003–2011)
Operation Iraqi Freedom: Beginning in March 2003, the U.S. invaded Iraq, alleging Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction (later disproven). The war caused massive civilian losses and destabilization, with many labeling it an unprovoked act of aggression.

Libya Intervention (2011)
Operation Odyssey Dawn: In March 2011, the U.S. led NATO airstrikes to enforce a no-fly zone and support rebels against Muammar Gaddafi during the Libyan Civil War. The campaign, which led to Gaddafi’s overthrow, was criticized for exceeding its UN mandate and causing chaos.

Syria Intervention (2014–present)
Operation Inherent Resolve: Starting in September 2014, the U.S. began airstrikes against ISIS in Syria, later expanding to ground operations. Conducted without Syrian government approval, it has been viewed by some as a violation of sovereignty.

Drone Strikes and Covert Operations (2000s–present)
The U.S. has conducted extensive drone campaigns in countries like Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, and Libya since the early 2000s, targeting terrorist groups. These strikes, often causing civilian deaths, have been condemned as extrajudicial killings and violations of national sovereignty.

Yemen Conflict Support (2015–present)
The U.S. has provided military support (logistics, intelligence, and arms) to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen’s civil war, contributing to a humanitarian crisis. Critics argue this constitutes indirect aggression against Yemen’s population.

This list reflects actions widely discussed in historical and critical contexts as examples of American military involvement post-Cold War. Interpretations of "aggression" vary—some see these as defensive or justified responses to threats, while others view them as imperialistic or unlawful. The complexity of each case means perspectives differ based on political, ethical, or legal lenses. If you’d like a deeper dive into any specific event, let me know!

Explain Iraq War
NATO expansion