Assignment 22: Policemen Of The World Final Paper Due 919407

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

Develop a final paper that explores two recent international incidents involving the United States as a result of foreign policy created after the Civil War. The paper should also examine three aspects of US history since 1865 that contributed to its rise as a global policeman, and analyze three to five international incidents since World War II where the US assumed a policing role. Additionally, identify three to five driving forces behind these policy decisions, considering factors such as treaties, exit strategies, elections, or wars. The paper must include an introduction with your previously crafted thesis statement, detailed discussion of your selected incidents, an analysis of historical factors contributing to US global power, and a discussion of policy drivers. Use at least three credible academic references beyond your textbook, ensuring sources are scholarly. The length should be three to five pages, formatted according to academic standards. No Wikipedia or non-academic websites are acceptable as sources.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The United States has established itself as a global policeman, actively involved in international conflicts and diplomatic interventions. This role is rooted in historical policies and strategic decisions made since the Civil War era. This paper explores two recent international incidents involving U.S. military intervention within the past five years, tracing their origins to post-Civil War foreign policy. It also examines three key aspects of U.S. history since 1865 that have contributed to its emergence as a world superpower with policing responsibilities. Furthermore, the paper analyzes three to five international incidents since World War II where the U.S. played a policing role, alongside the driving forces behind such policies. Understanding these interconnected elements illuminates how historical legacies and strategic interests shape current American foreign interventions.

Two Recent International Incidents Involving the U.S. and Post-Civil War Foreign Policy

One prominent incident is the U.S. military involvement in Syria, particularly in the fight against ISIS, which escalated around 2017-2020. This intervention was driven by national security concerns that evolved from the Monroe Doctrine’s principles of preventing foreign influence in the Western Hemisphere, expanded globally as American power grew. The U.S. justified its presence as combating terrorism and stabilizing the region, reflecting strategic interests rooted in the post-World War II era of expanded military interventionism. This reflects a foreign policy continuum that originated from early American efforts to project power beyond its borders, rooted in the desire to prevent hostile influences which can be traced back to the Monroe Doctrine and later policies during the Cold War.

A second example is the U.S. involvement in NATO operations in Eastern Europe, especially in Ukraine, which intensified after 2014 following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. This intervention aligns with post-World War II policies aimed at containing Russian expansion and promoting stability in Europe, a strategic objective initially delineated during the Cold War. U.S. policies in this context are linked to the broader aim of maintaining a global order where American interests and alliances prevent hostile influence, a concept that originates from the containment doctrine and the establishment of NATO as a bulwark against Soviet aggression.

Three Aspects of U.S. History Since 1865 Contributing to Its Rise as a Global Superpower Policeman

The first aspect is the Reconstruction era and the subsequent emergence of American industrial power, which provided the economic and military capacity necessary for international influence. The growth of American industries and its strategic use of economic strength laid the groundwork for global power projection. The second aspect is the U.S. leadership during the World Wars, where victory established America as a dominant military and economic force, setting the stage for Cold War superpower status. The third aspect is the development of a global military presence and alliances, such as NATO and military bases worldwide, which enable the U.S. to exert influence across continents and fulfill its role as a policing power.

International Incidents Since World War II Where the U.S. Took on a Policing Role

• The Korean War (1950-1953): The U.S. intervened militarily to stop the spread of communism in Asia, exemplifying a policing role rooted in containment policies.
• The Vietnam War (1955-1975): U.S. intervention aimed at halting the spread of communism in Southeast Asia, driven by Cold War strategies and domino theory.
• The Gulf War (1990-1991): A coalition led by the U.S. liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, exemplifying decisive military action to enforce international law and stability.
• The intervention in Libya (2011): The U.S. participated in NATO-led operations to oust Muammar Gaddafi, reflecting efforts to prevent humanitarian crises and stabilize regions.
• The ongoing involvement in Afghanistan (2001-present): The U.S. engaged in counter-terrorism operations post-9/11, emphasizing security and stability efforts in conflict zones.

Driving Forces Behind U.S. Policy Decisions in These Incidents

1. National Security Interests: Protecting Americans from terrorism and regional threats has been a primary driver, especially post-9/11.
2. Containment and Deterrence: Strategies originating from Cold War policies, aimed at limiting adversary expansion, have guided interventions in Korea, Vietnam, and elsewhere.
3. International Alliances and Treaties: Memberships in NATO and other alliances have facilitated collective security measures and military interventions.
4. Humanitarian Concerns and International Law: Interventions such as in Libya reflect an emphasis on preventing human rights abuses and maintaining international standards.
5. Economic and Geopolitical Interests: Control over regional resources and maintaining influence within strategic zones have motivated certain policies, such as in the Middle East.

Conclusion

The evolution of the United States’ role as a global policeman is deeply rooted in its historical trajectory since 1865. Post-Civil War policies, combined with strategic responses to international crises, have propelled its influence across decades. Recent incidents, from military interventions in Syria and Ukraine to historical involvements in Korea and Vietnam, exemplify the consistent application of policies driven by security, containment, alliance commitments, and economic interests. Understanding these factors offers insight into how the U.S. has maintained its position as a dominant global policing power, shaping international order and security.

References

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• Gaddis, J. L. (2014). Strategies of containment: A critical appraisal of American foreign policy during the Cold War. Oxford University Press.
• Ikenberry, G. J. (2011). Liberal leviathan: The origins, crisis, and transformation of the American world order. Princeton University Press.
• Powell, R. (2015). The American empire and the politics of meaning: Critical introductions. Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Schlesinger, S. (2014). America in the Middle East: The roots of intervention and the rise of the US role. University of California Press.
• Strobel, M. A. (2016). The United States and the Middle East: A history. Routledge.
• Waltz, K. N. (2010). Theory of international politics. McGraw-Hill.
• Zinni, A. (2013). Leading from the front: No- nonsense lessons from a life in leadership. St. Martin's Press.
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