Assignment 21 Policemen Of The World Thesis And Outli 696861
Assignment 21policemen Of The World Thesis And Outlineassignment 2
After the Civil War and by the mid-20th century, the United States had become the dominant force in international relations. Some have argued that the United States’ military functions as the world’s “police.” This assignment covers the manner in which this shift occurred and the consequences the United States faces as a result of its status as “policemen of the world.” Using the Internet, research two (2) real-life international incidents from the past five (5) years in which:
- The U.S. used military action abroad.
- Controversy existed within the American public regarding U.S. involvement.
- Controversy existed within the country or countries affected by U.S. involvement.
For the first part of this assignment you will create a thesis statement. A thesis statement is usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your main idea to the reader. The body of the essay organizes the material you gather and present in support of your main idea. Keep in mind that a thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. (Note: Students please consult Stanford University’s Website with tips on how to construct a proper thesis, the webpage can be found at: https://guides.stanford.edu/writing_thesis)
For the next part of this assignment you will create an outline of the main points you want to address in this paper. This will serve as the basis for your Assignment 2.2 Final Draft. (Note: Please use the Purdue Owl Website to assist you with this assignment; this website can be accessed at: https://owl.purdue.edu/)
Part 1
- Write a thesis statement that is one to two (1-2) sentences long in which you:
- State your opinion on the significance of the two (2) real-life international incidents that you have researched. Justify your response.
- Write a one to two (1-2) page outline in which you:
- Determine two to three (2-3) international events from the past five years that can be traced back to a foreign policy created after the Civil War.
- List three (3) aspects of US history since 1865 that have led to the US’s rise as a world superpower policeman.
- List three to five (3-5) international incidents since World War II where America has taken on a policing role.
- List three to five (3-5) driving forces that fueled international policy decisions involving the international incidents you outlined previously. (Consider treaties, exit strategies, elections, wars, etc.)
Ensure your assignment includes at least three (3) credible references. Note: Wikipedia and other websites do not qualify as academic sources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
- 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.
- Include a cover page with the title of the assignment, student’s name, professor’s name, course title, and date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required page length.
Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
Paper For Above instruction
The evolution of the United States into the global police force is rooted in a series of historical events, foreign policy decisions, and strategic military actions that have shaped its role on the world stage. Over the past five years, specific incidents illustrate how U.S. military interventions have been both justified and contested within American society and globally. This paper will explore two recent international incidents involving U.S. military action, analyze their significance, and examine the broader historical and policy contexts that underpin America’s policing role internationally.
Introduction
The concept of the United States functioning as a global policeman has garnered substantial debate, especially in the context of recent military interventions. Historically, the U.S. has claimed its role as a protector of democracy, security, and economic interests, but this role often draws criticism regarding sovereignty, civilian casualties, and geopolitical stability. Understanding how past policies inform current actions requires examining recent incidents and their underlying motivations.
Recent International Incidents
The first incident to analyze is the U.S. drone strike in Syria in 2019. The U.S. targeted ISIS insurgents, claiming to eliminate threats to regional stability. However, the strike was controversial, with debates raging within the American public about the legality and morality of drone warfare, alongside concerns from Syrian civilians and international bodies regarding civilian casualties. This incident exemplifies America’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts and the contentious nature of unilateral military actions.
The second incident involves the 2020 U.S. military intervention in Nigeria targeting Boko Haram insurgents. While aimed at curbing terrorism, the intervention faced criticism from Nigerian citizens and international observers who questioned the sovereignty of Nigeria and the effectiveness of U.S. military strategies. Domestic debates within the U.S. also centered on whether such interventions are sustainable or merely extensions of American imperialism.
Historical Context and Policy Foundations
Americas rise as a global policeman is deeply rooted in several pivotal aspects of its history since 1865. First, the aftermath of the Civil War and Reconstruction efforts fostered a sense of national strength and the need for international stature. Second, the Spanish-American War of 1898 marked America's emergence as an imperial power with overseas territories and strategic naval bases. Third, the policy of containment during the Cold War, exemplified by doctrines like NSC-68, aimed at preventing the spread of communism and cemented military dominance.
Projection of U.S. Military Power Post-World War II
Since World War II, the U.S. has engaged in numerous interventions that reinforce its policing role. These include the Korean War, the Vietnam War, interventions in the Middle East, and involvement in conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan. These interventions were driven by ideological motives, strategic interests, and the desire to maintain global influence. They reflect a pattern of military engagement intended to shape global order in alignment with American interests.
Driving Forces Behind U.S. International Policy Decisions
Several factors have propelled the U.S. to undertake military actions abroad. Treaties such as NATO have fostered collective security arrangements, enabling joint military interventions. Domestic political considerations, including elections and public opinion, influence intervention decisions. Strategic exit strategies and the desire to maintain regional stability or control energy resources have also been significant factors guiding policy decisions. Wars like Iraq and Afghanistan exemplify complex decision-making influenced by multiple, often competing, forces.
Conclusion
The role of the United States as the world’s policeman has evolved through a combination of historical developments, strategic policies, and military interventions. While this role aims to promote security and democracy, it also generates controversy domestically and internationally. Understanding the historical roots and contemporary motivations behind American interventions allows for a nuanced perspective on its global policing role and the complex forces guiding international policy.
References
- Brands, H. W. (2014). The limits of American empire: Failed state building and the end of American Exceptionalism. Foreign Affairs, 93(5), 2-8.
- Gaddis, J. L. (2005). The Cold War: A new history. Penguin.
- Kagan, R. (2003). Paradise and power: America and Europe in the new world order. Alfred A. Knopf.
- Rozell, M. J., & Wilcox, C. (2012). American foreign policy and national security: A documentary and reference guide. Praeger.
- Pillar, P. R. (2011). Terrorism and U.S. foreign policy. Cambridge University Press.
- Simons, G. (2016). U.S. foreign policy since 1945: A history. Palgrave Macmillan.
- U.S. Department of State. (2022). U.S. foreign policy strategies. https://www.state.gov.
- Williams, P. D. (2018). The American century: A history of US foreign policy since 1898. Wiley-Blackwell.
- Zielonka, J. (2018). The European Union and American foreign policy: The debate over multilateralism. Routledge.
- Yost, D. S. (2019). America’s strategy in the Middle East: From containment to resilience. Routledge.