Troop impunity and power abroad produce crimes that traumatize entire host populations

Evidence

Deadly accidents, violent crime, and local anger have been a constant almost everywhere there are bases. Across the globe, it’s clear that the impunity and power felt by troops can lead to theft, assault, rape, and murder. While only a minority of troops is involved, the effects of these attacks are profound not only for the victims, but for the broader local populations, who rarely regard crimes committed by the armed foreigners occupying their land as isolated events. — David Vine, Base Nation_ How U.S. Military Bases…, 856

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to earlier discussion in this book of Status of Forces Agreements granting troops legal impunity in host nations.