US Foreign Policy Theories Since World War II FINAL
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US Foreign Policy Theories Since World War II
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US Foreign Policy Theories Since World War II
Introduction
Since the end of World War II, the U.S has acted a crucial role on the international scene, having a significant impact through its foreign policy decisions. These choices have profound effects that have changed the global environment in different ways. Understanding the theoretical
foundations that influenced US foreign policy during this post-war era is essential to appreciate this significant role's complexities fully. The goal of this essay is to conduct a thorough investigation of the dominant beliefs that have shaped US foreign policy since World War II. It will identify the prominent theoretical frameworks and chart their historical development. The essay will analyze the causes and justifications for these changes, which is important. This examination has significant present relevance and goes beyond simple historical analysis. Globally resonating and dynamic, US foreign policy has a tremendous impact on both the established international order and international relations.
Argument 1: The Dominance of Containment and the Cold War
The U.S and the Soviet Union becoming superpowers after World War II constituted a crucial period in world history (Rapanyane, 2021). The doctrine of containment came to dominate US foreign policy as the two countries faced off with opposing ideologies - democracy and capitalism vs communism and socialism. According to Cox & Stokes (2018), the Soviet Union was intrinsically expansionist, and the United States needed to utilize tactics to restrain and prevent the Soviet Union from expanding its power. This set the stage for a strategy that would guide US foreign policy for many years to come. The foundation of containment theory was the notion that communism posed a global threat and that the United States needed to take
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proactive steps to stop its spread (Tsygankov, 2018). The 1947 declaration of the Truman Doctrine served as a clear example of containment. It initially targeted Greece and Turkey as nations resisting communist encroachment, promising American backing. The Marshall Plan, launched in 1948, sought to rebuild Europe after the War and stop the economic instability that may have given rise to communism. The application of containment theory in practice can be seen in the Korean War (1950–1953). To stop the rise of communism in Korea, the United States engaged militarily under the supports of the United Nations (Cha & Kang, 2018). As the first actual military conflict between the superpowers, this solidified the Cold War's status as an intergalactic ideological conflict.
Containment doctrine remained the cornerstone of US foreign policy throughout the Cold
War (Shipoli & Shipoli, 2018). In order to deter Soviet invasion in Europe, the United States formed military coalitions like NATO. To thwart communist takeovers, it also participated in proxy wars like the Vietnam War and conflicts in Central America. Additionally, the United States maintained robust nuclear weapons as a deterrent against Soviet aggression, which became a crucial containment component. The dominance of containment theory wasn't without its difficulties and peaks, though. The level of US commitment and engagement in several international wars was a topic of discussion within the US foreign policy elite. The Vietnam War,
for instance, highlighted the drawbacks and expenses of seeking containment in Southeast Asia (Ngoei, 2019). The Sino-Soviet split in the 1960s further complicated Cold War dynamics as the US sought to take advantage of tensions within the communist bloc.
The conclusion of the Cold War in the early 1990s, however, brought about a substantial change in US foreign policy. The threat of communism diminished with the fall of the Soviet
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Union, and containment theory lost much of its significance. The U.S now desired to reevaluate its foreign policy objectives and adjust to the altered global environment.
Argument 2: Post-Cold War Era and the Promotion of Democracy
A fundamental shift in US foreign policy resulted from the end of the Cold War as containment doctrine, which had reigned for nearly 50 years, lost its primary importance. The United States entered a new era in its foreign policy following the fall of the Soviet Union and the ensuing softening of tensions between superpowers, which was defined by a focus on the advancement of democracy and the dissemination of American values. This signaled the conclusion of the containment theory and the start of the liberal internationalist era. Liberal internationalism was one of the key philosophies that shaped US foreign policy at this time (Ikenberry, 2018). According to this argument, establishing democracy and a global community of democratic nations can help maintain international peace and stability since democracies are less inclined to engage in War with one another. The US enthusiastically adopted liberal internationalism under President Bill Clinton's direction (Mearsheimer, 2019). During this time, frequently referred to as the "unipolar moment," the United States was the only superpower globally. Because the Soviet Union was no longer a significant ideological rival, the emphasis switched from containment to the promotion of democracy, international diplomacy and human rights.
The United States developed as a strong supporter of democratic governance and human rights, aiding democratic transitions throughout the globe (Waltz, 2022). Examples include participation in peacekeeping missions in the Balkans, particularly in Bosnia and Kosovo, and support for Eastern European countries when they left the communist system. The addition of former Eastern Bloc countries to NATO also demonstrated a commitment to extending the
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protection of democracy and security (Menon, & Ruger, 2023). Additionally, the expansion of free trade was a key component of US foreign strategy after the Cold War. The United States' conviction in the economic advantages of a free-trade, rules-based international order was evidenced by initiatives like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the founding of the World Trade Organization (WTO) (Shaffer, 2021).
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, however, brought up a fresh set of issues that
put liberal internationalism's tenets to the test. The Bush Doctrine, also known as the Bush administration's response, placed an emphasis on a more assertive and unilateral approach to foreign affairs (Son, 2020). Preemptive military action, including the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, was justified under the concept on the basis of national security and the global "war on terror." This was a shift from the multilateral and diplomatic strategy that the Clinton administration had adopted.
Argument 3: The Pivot to Asia and Realism's Resurgence
The United States' foreign policy has undergone a noteworthy transformation in the twenty-first century, with a focus on the Asia-Pacific area (Dolan, 2022). This shift, started under
the Obama administration, illustrates how realism values once again guide American foreign policy. This shift, which reemphasizes a more realpolitik-based, pragmatic strategy and redefines
US strategic priorities, has been driven by geopolitical and economic forces. A key aspect of the current geopolitical environment is the growth of China as a major economic and military force. The United States has been forced to reevaluate its strategic priorities as a result of this change in
the balance of power. In many ways, the pivot to Asia is a reaction to this shifting dynamic. A good theoretical framework for comprehending the motivation behind this transition is provided
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by realism, a philosophy that places an emphasis on the pursuit of national interests, power politics, and the balance of power (Jørgensen & Ergul Jorgensen, 2021).
The "pivot to Asia" or "rebalance" plan, launched by the Obama administration, aims to fortify US ties and partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region (Shah et al., 2020). This involved interacting with growing nations like India and Indonesia as well as strengthening connections with important allies like Japan, South Korea, and Australia. The pivot was supported by the idea
that the Asia-Pacific region will be the main engine of global economic development and strategic struggle in the twenty-first century. With this change, of course, realist ideals once again
gained sway in US foreign policy. It understood that in order to safeguard its economic interests and guarantee regional stability, the United States needed to retain a significant presence in the Asia-Pacific. China's increasing boldness in South China Sea territorial disputes and its economic sway in the area have highlighted the need for the United States to keep a strong presence.
Additionally, the "America First" foreign policy of the Trump administration was maintained to adhere to realism ideals (Ettinger, 2020). The strategy taken by President Donald Trump put economic concerns first and concentrated on getting the United States better trade agreements. In order to rectify disparities in defence spending among US allies, the administration demanded that NATO countries increase their own defense spending (Sperling & Webber, 2019). The Trump administration's distrust of international institutions and accords was indicative of the realist revival. The United States pull out from both the Iran nuclear agreement and the Paris Contract on climate change, indicating a preference for independent action and a concentration on narrowly defined national interests. The Trump administration's strategy toward
competition between great powers also mirrored a realistic viewpoint (Lungu, 2020). The 2017
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National Security Strategy designated China and Russia as strategic rivals and gave priority to countering their influence across a range of fields, including the military, economic, and technology.
Following World War II, the U.S began a revolutionary path in which it made decisions that would ultimately shape the global order. The essay has traced the course of US foreign policy development since that crucial time, from the dominance of containment theory during the
Cold War to the promotion of democracy in the post-Cold War era and finally to the pivot to Asia
and the resurgence of realism in the twenty-first century. These three main points demonstrate the dynamic interaction between theoretical frameworks, geopolitical changes, and the shifting global setting.
The first argument's discussion of the supremacy of containment theory throughout the Cold War highlights the importance of ideological competition in determining US foreign policy.
The United States developed policies that went beyond its boundaries because it saw the growth of communism as a worldwide threat. These policies culminated in interventions like the Korean War and proxy wars in Southeast Asia and Latin America. The strategic implications of containment theory were significant, but so were its purpose and clarity (Amponsah et al. 2022). It portrayed the United States as the protector of democratic ideals against the communist wave. The nation struggled with disagreements regarding the scope of its commitment and the character of its initiatives, so this period was not without its challenges. Nevertheless, containment theory laid the groundwork for the American presence in the world during the majority of the 20th century.
The second argument examines the promotion of democracy as a guiding principle in US foreign policy as evidence that the post-Cold War age saw the rise of a new paradigm.
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Confidence in the universality of democratic principles and the potential of a world community of democracies to promote international peace and stability characterized this age. The United States actively supported democratic transitions, participated in peacekeeping missions, and pushed free commerce under the banner of liberal internationalism. However, the tragic events of
September 11, 2001, put the liberal internationalist tenets to the test. As a result, foreign policy goals were reevaluated, and the Bush Doctrine came into being. The response to terrorism raised issues of unilateralism, preemptive action, and the proper balance between international diplomacy and national security.
The third argument highlights the rise of realism in US foreign policy in the twenty-first century, which is motivated by changes in the geopolitical environment and economic reasons. Reflecting the realist concept of prioritizing the pursuit of national interests and the balance of power, the pivot to Asia was a tactical response to China's ascent. Recognizing the importance of
the Asia-Pacific area from both an economic and a strategic standpoint, the US attempted to develop partnerships there (Heiduk & Wacker, 2020). The "America First" policy of the Trump administration, which prioritized economic interests, burden-sharing among friends, and an emphasis on great power competition, further highlighted realist values. The decision to withdraw from international agreements and organizations revealed a penchant for unilateral action and a realpolitik-based pragmatic strategy.
In conclusion, the United States’ involvement in international issues after World War II has been defined by a complex interplay of theoretical frameworks, geopolitical forces, and the changing global landscape. With containment during the Cold War, democratization promotion in
the post-Cold War era, and a rebirth of realism in the twenty-first century, US foreign policy has changed to meet the opportunities and encounters of each age. The flexibility of US foreign
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policy provides a broad response to the essay’s main question. The nation’s place in the world is not constant; it adapts to both the needs of its own interests and the current global situation. This flexibility demonstrates the United States’ continuing power and its ability to both shape and be influenced by the constantly shifting international landscape. Understanding the country’s complex position in international affairs and its long-lasting effects on the global order is necessary to appreciate this dynamic history fully.
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References
Amponsah, O., Blija, D. K., Ayambire, R. A., Takyi, S. A., Mensah, H., & Braimah, I. (2022). Global urban sprawl containment strategies and their implications for rapidly urbanising cities in Ghana. Land Use Policy, 114, 105979.
Cha, V., & Kang, D. (2018). Nuclear North Korea: A debate on engagement strategies. Columbia
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Cox, M., & Stokes, D. (Eds.). (2018). US foreign policy. Oxford University Press.
Dolan, C. J. (2022). Containment, Engagement, and Continuity: China and the Evolution of obama’s Foreign Policy Toward the Asia–Pacific. In Achievements and Legacy of the Obama Presidency: “Hope and Change?” (pp. 161-176). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Ettinger, A. (2020). Principled realism and populist sovereignty in Trump’s foreign policy. Cambridge review of international affairs, 33(3), 410-431.
Heiduk, F., & Wacker, G. (2020). From Asia-Pacific to Indo-Pacific: significance, implementation and challenges.
Ikenberry, G. J. (2018). The end of liberal international order? International Affairs, 94(1), 7-23.
Jørgensen, K. E., & Ergul Jorgensen, F. A. (2021). Realist theories in search of realists: The failure in Europe to advance realist theory. International Relations, 35(1), 3-22.
Lungu, E. (2020). Power Relations Between Russia, China and the United States in Central Asia. An Offensive Realist Perspective. Annals of the Ovidius University of Constanta-
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Mearsheimer, J. J. (2019). Bound to fail: The rise and fall of the liberal international order. International security, 43(4), 7-50.
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Tsygankov, A. P. (2018). The sources of Russia’s fear of NATO. Communist and Post-
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Waltz, S. E. (2022). Human rights and reform: Changing the face of North African politics. Univ of California Press.
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