In "The March of Folly," Barbara W. Tuchman explores how certain follies contributed to the decline of American virtue post-Vietnam War. She argues that a series of overreactions led to the invention of concepts like endangered national security and vital interests. These concepts, she contends, were not grounded in reality but rather became self-perpetuating commitments that guided American actions.

Tuchman's analysis highlights the dangers of creating false narratives around national interests. The implications of such misguided perceptions resulted in decisions that not only compromised American values but also misled the public and policymakers into pursuing policies that ultimately proved detrimental. Her critique serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of failing to question the motivations behind government actions.