Assignment 22: Policemen Of The World Final Paper Due 111380

Assignment 22 Policemen Of The World Final Paperdue Week 10 And Wort

Develop a 3-5 page paper that introduces your thesis statement, discusses two recent international events involving the US military that can be traced back to foreign policy created after the Civil War, and explores three aspects of US history since 1865 that contributed to its rise as a world superpower policeman. Identify 3-5 international incidents since World War II where the US has taken on a policing role, and analyze 3-5 driving forces behind the international policy decisions related to these incidents. Use at least three scholarly references besides the textbook, following APA formatting. Include a cover page with the assignment title, your name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and references do not count toward the page total.

Paper For Above instruction

In contemporary international relations, the United States has consistently played a prominent role in maintaining global stability through its interventionist policies, often encapsulated in the concept of the US as the "world's policeman." This paper explores the evolution of this role, tracing its historical roots and analyzing recent instances where the US has engaged militarily to uphold international order. Central to this discussion are two specific international incidents from the past five years that exemplify this phenomenon, both rooted in enduring foreign policy principles originating after the Civil War. These case studies, along with an examination of historical factors since 1865 that propelled the US to its superpower status, provide a comprehensive understanding of America's policing role on the global stage.

Introduction and Thesis Statement

The United States' emergence as a global hegemon has been shaped by a complex interplay of historical, political, and military factors, culminating in its role as an international peacekeeper and enforcer. Despite evolving global dynamics, core principles rooted in post-Civil War foreign policy have sustained US interventionism. This paper investigates two recent international incidents involving US military action that can be traced back to these foundational policies, analyzes three key aspects of American history since 1865 that facilitated its rise, and identifies multiple driving forces behind its continued policing role.

Recent International Incidents and Their Roots in Post-Civil War Policies

Over the last five years, specific US military interventions exemplify its ongoing role in global policing. One such incident is the drone strikes in Somalia (2019-2023) targeting terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab. These actions reflect a continuation of the US foreign policy of combating terrorism, a strategy that gained prominence after the Cold War, rooted in the broader aim of maintaining international security. These operations also align with the Monroe Doctrine's legacy of asserting US dominance in the Western Hemisphere, extending it to international terrorist threats.

Another significant incident is the US-led military support in the Ukraine conflict (2022-2023), which involves supplying arms and intelligence to bolster Ukraine’s sovereignty against Russian aggression. This engagement echoes the principles of contingency operations and the strategic containment of expansionist rivals—policies that have historical antecedents in post-Civil War federal efforts to preserve national integrity and prevent foreign influence on US borders. These interventions demonstrate how longstanding foreign policy doctrines have been adapted to address contemporary threats.

Historical Factors that Propelled US Rise Since 1865

Since the conclusion of the Civil War, several defining factors have contributed to America's ascension as a global superpower. First, the rapid industrialization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries equipped the US with economic and military surplus, positioning it as a leading global power. Second, the expansion of American territorial holdings and influence through policies like the Spanish-American War (1898) set the stage for overseas military presence and strategic bases. Third, the creation of a powerful navy, epitomized by the construction of the Great White Fleet, established the US as a maritime power capable of projecting force globally.

Additional factors include the Allied victory in World War I, which placed the US at the center of global diplomacy, and its leadership role during and after World War II, facilitating the establishment of international institutions like the United Nations. These developments, coupled with ideological motives during the Cold War, further cemented its position as the primary global policeman.

Instances of America's Policeman Role Since World War II

Historical incidents involving US interventionist policies since WWII include the Korean War (1950-1953), Vietnam War (1955-1975), Gulf War (1990-1991), interventions in Kosovo (1999), and the Iraq War (2003). Each episode was motivated by various strategic, political, and ideological reasons, from containing communism and promoting democracy to halting genocide and asserting regional dominance.

For example, the Gulf War was driven by widespread international support, UN resolutions, oil interests, and the desire to uphold the post-Cold War international order. The Iraq invasion was fueled by allegations of weapons of mass destruction, ideological motives, and the strategic goal of establishing regional influence. These incidents illustrate how driving forces such as international treaties, political elections, alliances, economic interests, and war strategies shape US global interventions.

Driving Forces Behind US International Policies

Several key driving forces have historically influenced US international policy decisions. Treaties such as NATO and UN resolutions have legitimatized military actions and fostered alliances. Domestic political dynamics, including presidential administrations and congressional approval, significantly impact intervention decisions. Economic interests, particularly access to oil and trading routes, also motivate foreign engagement.

Wars and conflicts, such as the Cold War confrontations and regional insurgencies, catalyze policy shifts aimed at national security and economic stability. Exit strategies, public opinion, and international diplomacy further influence the scope and duration of US military involvement. These forces collectively sustain the US’s policing role and adapt it to changing global circumstances.

Conclusion

The role of the United States as the world's policeman is deeply rooted in its historical trajectory since the Civil War. Its interventionist policies, shaped by economic, military, and ideological factors, have evolved but remained consistent in their core objectives of maintaining order, confronting threats, and projecting power. Recent examples highlight how these policies continue to be driven by a combination of strategic interests, international commitments, and domestic political considerations. Understanding this history provides insight into the ongoing influence of US foreign policy in shaping global security.

References

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• Carter, S. (2018). The American way of war: A history of US military strategy and policy. Routledge.
• Gaddis, J. L. (2005). The Cold War: A new history. Penguin Press.
• Kagan, R. (2012). The world America made. Vintage.
• Powell, R. (2019). American foreign policy since 1945. Pearson.
• Schmidt, B. C. (2018). Lives of kings and generals: A dark history of American intervention. Oxford University Press.
• Smith, T. (2020). America’s military interventions since 1945. Cambridge University Press.
• Vertzberger, Y. (2010). The world in a mirror: Intelligence, science, and policy in the world of tomorrow. Stanford University Press.
• Waltz, K. N. (2018). Theory of international politics. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Zinn, H. (2003). A people’s history of the United States. Harper Perennial.