Assignment 22: Policemen Of The World Final Paper Due 174717

Assignment 22 Policemen Of The Worldfinal Paperdue Week 10 And Worth

Develop a three to five (3-5) page paper that introduces your thesis statement, identifies two to three (2-3) international events from the past five years linked to US foreign policy created after the Civil War, discusses three (3) aspects of US history since 1865 that contributed to US rise as a world superpower policeman, and analyzes three (3-5) international incidents since World War II where America assumed a policing role. Additionally, determine three (3-5) driving forces that influenced international policy decisions related to these incidents, considering treaties, exit strategies, elections, wars, etc. Use at least three (3) credible references, following APA formatting. The paper must be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman font size 12, with one-inch margins. Include a cover page with the title, student’s name, professor’s name, course title, and date. The cover page and references are not part of the page count.

Paper For Above instruction

The United States’ emergence as a global policeman has been shaped by a complex interplay of historical, political, and strategic factors. Over the past five years, several international incidents exemplify America's active role in global security and enforcement, reflecting the country’s underlying foreign policy principles that have evolved since the post-Civil War era. This paper explores two to three recent international events involving the U.S. since 2018, traces the historical developments that contributed to America’s rise as a superpower policeman, and analyzes the driving forces behind U.S. international policy decisions regarding these incidents.

Introduction and Thesis Statement

The United States’ ascent to the status of a global policeman is rooted in a historical trajectory characterized by strategic military interventions, diplomatic initiatives, and ideological pursuits of world stability and democracy promotion. Since the Civil War, three major aspects of American history—imperial expansion, leadership in international conflicts, and development of a global military presence—have directly contributed to this role. Recent international incidents, such as U.S. involvement in the Syria conflict, responses to North Korean missile tests, and interventions in Venezuela, manifest ongoing application of these principles. This paper argues that U.S. foreign policy decisions in these cases are driven by strategic interests, security concerns, and ideological commitments derived from historical precedents and evolving international dynamics.

Recent International Incidents Involving the U.S. Since 2018

One prominent incident is the U.S. military intervention in Syria, beginning in 2018, aimed at defeating ISIS and stabilizing the region. This action reflects the application of American military power to promote stability and prevent terrorist resurgence, stemming from post-9/11 security policies. Another incident involves the U.S. response to North Korea’s missile tests, where diplomatic and military pressures were employed to deter nuclear proliferation, influenced by the Cold War legacy of containment and deterrence. A third example is U.S. involvement in the Venezuelan crisis, where economic sanctions and support for opposition figures exemplify efforts to influence regime change, rooted in Cold War policies of containment and democracy promotion.

Historical Factors Contributing to U.S. Rise as a Superpower Policeman

  1. Imperial Expansion and Manifest Destiny: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw territorial acquisitions such as Alaska and Hawaii, and interventions in Latin America and the Pacific, establishing U.S. military and economic influence globally. This expansion fostered a sense of American exceptionalism and responsibility in world affairs.
  2. Leadership in Global Conflicts: Participation in World Wars I and II positioned the U.S. as a superpower. Victory in these wars widened U.S. influence, led to the creation of international organizations like the UN, and solidified a security role in shaping post-war peace.
  3. Development of Military and Diplomatic Institutions: The establishment of NATO, the Department of Defense, and strategic doctrines like containment during the Cold War institutionalized America’s role as a global enforcer of stability and democracy.

International Incidents Since World War II and U.S. Policing

  1. Korean War (1950-1953): The U.S. led a UN coalition to repel North Korean invasion, establishing a precedent for military intervention under the banner of collective security.
  2. Vietnam War (1955-1975): An intervention aimed at halting the spread of communism, reflecting Cold War containment tactics.
  3. Gulf War (1990-1991): A U.S.-led coalition expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait, exemplifying multilateral military action following international mandates.
  4. Iraq War (2003-2011): Initiated on the basis of weapons of mass destruction claims, illustrating U.S. unilateral intervention under perceived national interests.
  5. War on Terror (2001-present): A global counterterrorism effort after 9/11, deploying military, intelligence, and diplomatic instruments worldwide.

Driving Forces Behind U.S. Policy Decisions

  1. Security and Threat Perception: Concerns over terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and regional stability drive military and diplomatic actions.
  2. International Alliances and Treaties: NATO and UN resolutions shape U.S. participation and justify interventions.
  3. Domestic Politics and Election Cycles: Public opinion, partisan politics, and presidential priorities influence foreign policy choices.
  4. Economic Interests: Access to resources and market stability motivate interventions, exemplified in Middle Eastern conflicts.
  5. Ideological Motivations: Promotion of democracy, human rights, and anti-communism continue to underpin U.S. intervention rationale.

Conclusion

The United States’ role as a global policeman is an extension of its historical development, strategic interests, and ideological commitments. Recent international incidents highlight ongoing manifestations of this role, shaped by enduring factors such as security concerns, alliances, and domestic politics. Understanding the historical roots of American foreign policy enhances comprehension of current interventions and predicting future trends in U.S. international engagement.

References

  1. Brand, D. (2014). The bureaucracy of counterterrorism: Authentic threats and the challenge of managing risks. Security Studies, 23(2), 213-234.
  2. Gaddis, J. L. (2005). The Cold War: A new history. Penguin Books.
  3. Ikenberry, G. J. (2018). After victory: Soft power, prestige, and influence in the Post–Cold War world. Princeton University Press.
  4. Kuperman, A. J. (2008). The road to Abu Ghraib. Foreign Affairs, 87(4), 97-113.
  5. Leverett, F., & Leverett, R. (2014). Going to Tehran: Why the nuclear deal must be saved. Brookings Institution Press.
  6. Neack, L. (2017). The New Politics of War: Understanding the Changing Nature of Conflict. Routledge.
  7. Petersen, L. (2011). The United States and foreign policy. Routledge.
  8. Stokes, D. (2017). America's new empire: The U.S. military and the foundations of U.S. foreign policy. Cambridge University Press.
  9. Zaller, J. (1992). The Nature and Origins of Mass Opinion. Cambridge University Press.
  10. Young, J. W. (2014). Explaining American intervention in the Post-Cold War World. International Studies Quarterly, 58(3), 563-576.

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