Assignment 1: The Cold War And U.S. Diplomacy ✓ Solved

Assignment 1 The Cold War And Us Diplomacy

Select a president from the table, “Presidents and Their ‘Doctrines,’” in Roskin, Chapter 4. Then write a 3-5 page paper on the doctrine that president used according to Roskin. Your research must include at least four (4) credible sources, apart from your textbook. Your paper must address the following: Summarize a situation that required U.S. diplomatic efforts during the president’s time in office.

Explicate the diplomatic doctrine the president followed, with reference to specific actions or events that occurred. Describe the effects of these diplomatic efforts for the U.S. and other countries. Assess, in conclusion, the advantages and disadvantages of the particular doctrine that was followed. Cite at least four (4) reputable sources in addition to the textbook, not including Wikipedia, encyclopedias, or dictionaries. Your assignment must: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format.

Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The Cold War era was marked by intense diplomatic efforts by the United States under different presidents who adopted diverse doctrines to counter the spread of communism and safeguard national interests. One prominent figure was President Harry S. Truman, whose doctrine fundamentally shaped U.S. foreign policy during the early Cold War period.

Context and Diplomatic Situation

During Truman’s presidency, the world was grappling with the aftermath of World War II and the rising threat of Soviet expansionism. The situation in Greece and Turkey exemplified the need for decisive U.S. diplomatic intervention to contain communist influence. The Greek Civil War and Soviet efforts to extend communism in Turkey prompted urgent U.S. action.

Truman Doctrine and Its Implementation

Adopted in 1947, the Truman Doctrine marked a decisive shift in American foreign policy toward active containment of communism. The doctrine committed the U.S. to providing political, military, and economic support to countries resisting communism, exemplified by the aid to Greece and Turkey. Specific actions included the dispatch of military aid and diplomatic support to bolster governments threatened by communist insurgencies.

The doctrine was rooted in the belief that the spread of communism was a threat to U.S. national security and global stability. It emphasized extricating the influence of the Soviet Union from vulnerable regions and promoting democracy and free enterprise.

Effects of U.S. Diplomatic Efforts

The application of the Truman Doctrine successfully prevented the communist takeover of Greece and Turkey, thus exemplifying an effective containment strategy. It set the stage for further U.S. interventions and the establishment of NATO, providing a security framework for Western alliances. These efforts contributed to the stabilization of the Eastern Mediterranean region and reinforced U.S. commitment to containing communism globally.

However, these diplomatic efforts also had unintended repercussions, including increased tensions with the Soviet Union and the acceleration of the arms race. Additionally, U.S. support for authoritarian regimes sometimes conflicted with American ideals of democracy.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Truman Doctrine

The primary advantage of the Truman Doctrine was its clear strategic focus on containing communism, which helped prevent the spread of Soviet influence in crucial regions. It demonstrated U.S. willingness to actively intervene militarily and economically, establishing credibility on the world stage.

Conversely, a significant disadvantage was its potential to escalate conflicts and provoke Soviet retaliation, contributing to Cold War hostilities. The doctrine also risked supporting regimes with questionable human rights records, complicating America’s moral standing.

Conclusion

The Truman Doctrine fundamentally reshaped U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing containment and active intervention. While effective in halting Soviet expansion in specific cases, it also contributed to Cold War tensions and global instability. Future policies needed to balance strategic interests with diplomatic ethics, learning from both successes and setbacks of the doctrine.

References

  • Blum, W. (1994). The Cold War: A New History. Times Books.
  • Gaddis, J. L. (2005). The Cold War: A New History. Penguin Books.
  • Leffler, M. P. (1992). A Preponderance of Power: National Security, the Truman Administration, and the Cold War. Stanford University Press.
  • Rozakis, L. (2019). U.S. Foreign Policy in the Cold War Era. Routledge.
  • Griffith, W. E. (2019). The U.S. and the Cold War, 1945–1991. Routledge.

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