Across the world, it seems that wherever there is a war, there is the United States. In its 245-year history, the U.S. has only not been at war for 17 years. From the end of World War Two to 2001, Americans were at the heart of 81 percent of the world's armed conflicts – 201 out of 248 in 153 regions of the world.

The mission always has a positive frame – from "maintaining justice" to "humanitarian intervention" – but the U.S. has launched or become embroiled in wars at a very high cost. During the Korean War, more than 3 million civilians were killed and critical infrastructure was crushed. In the Vietnam War, two million civilians perished and at least 350,000 tonnes of bombs and landmines left a legacy of havoc. In the Kosovo War, the U.S.-dominated NATO bombed the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia for 78 straight days, leaving a trail of destruction.

More recently, the 21st century wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria mean that almost every U.S. president since World War Two has declared or intervened overseas. However, while delivering humanitarian disasters to other countries, the United States has profited handsomely from its adventures.

U.S. News & World Report pointed out that for many years, wars and preparations for hostilities have been integral to America's prosperity and affluence. Indeed, war is the business of America.