Cheney’s shadow: a legacy of power and controversy

Dick Cheney, the 46th United States Vice President and a defining public figure in the early 21st-century US foreign policy, has, alas, passed away. His family released a statement early on November 4, 2025, stating that the “former Vice President died due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease,” at the age of 84.

Aside from his personal life, Cheney has had a controversial political career, especially since taking office as VP during former US President Geroge W. Bush’s term (2001-2009). His departure will certainly leave behind a legacy marked by polarization and influence, locally and beyond.

Early career and rise to power

Dick Cheney, born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1941, built his career in the Republican Party, holding key positions such as White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford (1974-1977) and later as Secretary of Defense under George H.W. Bush (1989-1993) during the Gulf War (1990). His tenure in defense established him as a staunch advocate for American military strength and strategic intervention abroad.

The turning point in Cheney’s political career came in 2001, as he became Vice President under George W. Bush presidency. In this role, he wielded significant influence over foreign policy, often seen as one of the administration’s primary architects of post-9/11 strategy.

The Cheney Doctrine in the Middle East

Cheney has long held a deep conviction that the executive branch must not be restricted by Congress, including its ability to wage war. The latter was a direct cause of the Vietnam War (1954-1975) and the Watergate scandal in the early 1970s, which involved a break-in at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters and subsequent cover-up efforts by President Richard Nixon’s administration, ultimately leading to Nixon’s resignation. From here, Cheney believed that executive power must be restored to ensure efficiency and impact. Therefore, as he became VP in 2001, he sought to reclaim the White House’s full authority, which was translated into the subsequent decision taken by the US (especially in terms of foreign policy).

Cheney’s ideology further evolved with the formulation of the “One Percent Doctrine,” also known as the “Cheney Doctrine.” The latter, influenced by the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the US, emphasized preemptive action, counterterrorism, and assertive diplomacy, particularly in regions deemed critical to the country’s interests, such as the Middle East.

From here, one can understand Cheney’s role in the aforementioned region. His reliance on hard power to advance US security and interests have prompted him to adopt escalatory measures and policies. This proved to be true particularly with regards to Iraq. Following 9/11, and the subsequent invasion of Afghanistan the same year, Cheney became the loudest voice and staunchest supporter for the invasion of Iraq, under the pretext of the country’s ties to al-Qaeda and its acquisition of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). In 2002, he claimed that “there is no doubt Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction,” adding that “there is no doubt that he is amassing them to use against our friends, against our allies and against us.” Without basing his claims on concrete and legal considerations, the VP ramped up his advocacy efforts, which culminated in the eventual invasion of Iraq in 2003. After the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, however, his allegations proved to be baseless and false as no such weapons were found and al-Qaeda members involved in the terrorist attacks were not even Iraqi citizens.

Cheney’s role in Lebanon

The United States’ approach to Syria’s occupation of Lebanon began to witness a significant change during the early 21st century. The Bush’s administration, which Cheney imposed tremendous influence on, applied significant pressure to force its withdrawal from Lebanon. Among the most consequential measures taken was the passing of the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003, which aimed to hold Syria accountable for its support of terrorism, occupation of Lebanon, and development of weapons of mass destruction. Thus, following the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri on February 14, 2005, and the Cedar Revolution on March 14, 2005, the conditions were ripe from Beirut to gain its second independence.

Even after Damascus’ withdrawal, the US administration, which Cheney remained its VP as Bush was reelected president, played a key role in opposing Hezbollah’s control and influence in the country. Cheney consistently identified the group as a destabilizing force in Lebanon, arguing that its military capacity, bolstered by Syria and Iran, threatened both Lebanese sovereignty and broader regional security. The administration also contributed to the establishment of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), in pursuant to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 1664 of March 29, 2006.

Cheney’s legacy

Cheney’s approach to Lebanon and the Middle East was both praised and criticized. Supporters argue he elevated Lebanese sovereignty on the international stage and applied necessary pressure on Syria, Iran and Hezbollah. Critics, however, contend that his policies contributed to increased sectarian tension (especially in Iraq with the de-Baathification policy) and drew Lebanon deeper into US-Iranian proxy conflicts, often with limited practical impact on governance or stability.

Hence, Dick Cheney’s death marks the end of a career that left an indelible imprint on US politics and foreign policy. His strategies in the Middle East, including Lebanon, demonstrate the profound and lasting influence a Vice President can wield, with effects that are still debated and felt across the region today.