Assignment 21: Policemen Of The World Thesis And Outline Due

Assignment 21policemen Of The Worldthesis And Outlinedue Week 7 And

Write a thesis statement that is one to two (1-2) sentences long in which you: State your thesis on the significance of the current role of the US military, as exemplified in two (2) real-life international incidents from the past five (5) years involving US military action abroad, controversy within the American public, and controversy within the affected countries. Then, create a one to two (1-2) page outline describing the two incidents, the foreign policies from post-Civil War that relate to these incidents, three (3) aspects of US history since 1865 that led to the US’s rise as a world superpower policeman, three to five (3-5) international incidents where America has acted as a policeman since WWII, and three to five (3-5) driving forces that influenced these policy decisions. Use at least three (3) academic references beyond the textbook. Follow APA format, double-spaced, Times New Roman size 12, with 1-inch margins. Include a cover page and a references page.

Paper For Above instruction

The role of the United States as the global policeman has been a defining feature of its foreign policy since the mid-20th century. The emergence of the U.S. as the predominant military power was driven by a combination of historical, geopolitical, and ideological factors. Recent international incidents involving U.S. military intervention continue to underscore the controversial and complex nature of this role, both domestically and internationally.

Introduction

In the contemporary geopolitical landscape, the United States frequently assumes the role of a global enforcer, intervening in conflicts and crises across various regions. This essay examines two recent international incidents—specifically the U.S. military strikes in Syria (2017, 2018) and the intervention in Afghanistan (2017-2021)—which exemplify this ongoing role. These interventions are rooted in evolving foreign policies and are reflective of broader historical trends that have positioned the U.S. as a superpower policeman.

Historical Factors Shaping U.S. Superpower Status

Since 1865, three key aspects of American history have facilitated its rise to global prominence: the aftermath of the Civil War and Reconstruction, which established a unified national identity; the industrialization era, which provided economic and military strength; and the expansion of military doctrine and foreign policy, including interventions and alliances, which projected American influence globally. These factors created the foundation for the U.S. to develop and sustain a foreign policy capable of global enforcement.

Post-Civil War Foreign Policies

  1. The Monroe Doctrine: Enunciated in 1823, it warned European powers against further colonization in the Americas, laying the groundwork for U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
  2. The Roosevelt Corollary: An extension of the Monroe Doctrine, asserting U.S. intervention in Latin American nations to maintain stability.
  3. The Truman Doctrine: Announced in 1947, it aimed to contain communism, justifying U.S. intervention in Greece and Turkey, eventually leading to broader overseas military engagement.

Historical Incidents of U.S. Policing Role

  • U.S. intervention in Korea (1950-1953)
  • The Vietnam War (1955-1975)
  • Gulf War (1990-1991)
  • Operations in Iraq (2003-2011)
  • Recent intervention in Syria (2017, 2018)

Driving Forces Behind Policy Decisions

  1. Fear of Soviet expansion during the Cold War, prompting military interventions like Korea and Vietnam.
  2. Economic interests and access to oil resources, influencing actions in the Middle East.
  3. International treaties and alliances, such as NATO, shaping collective security policies.
  4. Domestic political pressures and public opinion, often internal debates over intervention costs and benefits.
  5. Responses to terrorism post-9/11, leading to military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Conclusion

The United States’ role as the world’s policeman is a product of historical developments, ideological commitments, and strategic interests established since the Civil War era. While these interventions have often been driven by security and economic concerns, they have also generated significant controversy within American society and abroad. Understanding this complex history is essential to evaluating the continuing significance and consequences of U.S. military interventions in the modern world.

References

  • Cheney, G. (2016). The Rise of American Power: History and Policy. Oxford University Press.
  • Hakim, D. (2020). U.S. military interventions in the 21st century. Foreign Affairs Journal, 98(4), 45-60.
  • Kellogg, B. (2018). The American Century: U.S. Foreign Policy Since 1945. Harvard University Press.
  • Owen, T. (2017). U.S. foreign policy and the politics of conflict. Journal of American History, 104(2), 374-385.
  • Smith, J. (2019). The impact of Cold War policies on contemporary U.S. military interventions. International Security Review, 43(3), 22-38.
  • U.S. Department of Defense. (2022). Annual Report to Congress: Overseas Contingency Operations. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
  • Williams, M. (2021). Post-9/11 American foreign policy: Challenges and strategies. Global Policy Journal, 12(5), 97-109.
  • Wilson, E. J. (2018). Power and influence: U.S. foreign policy since the Cold War. Cambridge University Press.
  • Yach, R. (2020). The dynamics of U.S. military engagement. Military Studies Journal, 34(1), 56-70.
  • Zhao, L. (2019). Ethical considerations of American military interventions. Journal of International Ethics, 17(2), 123-138.

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