Assignment Information Due Date: Monday, March 9, 2020

Assignment Information due Datemonday March 9 2020900 Ampoints Possi

Write about America's international superpower role from after World War II to the present, selecting one strategic concern and one confrontation from either the Cold War (1947-1991) or Post-Cold War (1991-Present) periods. Use at least three sources, including the provided texts and at least two other credible sources, and follow the Strayer Writing Standards format. The paper should be five paragraphs, between 500 to 800 words, double-spaced, with a cover page and sources page. Submit the paper in the course online shell.

Paper For Above instruction

The emergence of the United States as a global superpower following World War II marked a transformative era in international relations. Its strategic policies and confrontations shaped the modern balance of power and global security. This paper explores the U.S.'s superpower role by focusing on a specific strategic concern and confrontation from either the Cold War or Post-Cold War period, analyzing their implications for U.S. foreign policy and international stability.

During the Cold War, the primary strategic concern was the policy of containment aimed at preventing the spread of communism, exemplified by the Vietnam War. The containment strategy was rooted in historical efforts to thwart Soviet expansion, culminating in significant military interventions like Vietnam, which symbolized the U.S.'s commitment to destabilize communist influence globally (Gaddis, 2005). The Vietnam War exemplifies a confrontation driven by the strategic concern of containment, as the U.S. engaged in a prolonged and costly conflict to prevent a communist takeover of South Vietnam. This confrontation not only reflected Cold War tensions but also shaped subsequent U.S. strategies in managing global rivalries and military engagements.

In the Post-Cold War era, the strategic concern shifted toward combating terrorism, exemplified by the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. Following the September 11 attacks, the U.S. prioritized dismantling terrorist networks and promoting stability in the Middle East and Central Asia (Schwarz & Neal, 2017). The invasion of Afghanistan served as a direct confrontation with non-state terrorist actors and rogue states that harbor them, illustrating the shift from state-based Cold War threats to asymmetric warfare. This confrontation underscored America's evolving role in global security, emphasizing rapid military response and intelligence operations.

Both examples underscore how strategic concerns have directed U.S. military and diplomatic efforts. During the Cold War, containment aimed to counter Soviet influence through military and ideological means, leading to confrontations such as the Cuban Missile Crisis—an iconic display of superpower brinkmanship (Allison, 1971). In contrast, the Post-Cold War conflict with terrorism has emphasized unconventional warfare, intelligence, and international coalitions. The complexities of these confrontations demonstrate how America's superpower role adapts dynamically to emerging threats, shaping global security architecture.

In conclusion, America's superpower role from 1947 to the present has been defined by its strategic concerns and corresponding confrontations. The Cold War's focus on ideological and nuclear rivalry gave way to a post-Cold War emphasis on terrorism and rogue states. Understanding these shifts highlights the flexibility and resilience of U.S. foreign policy in confronting diverse threats in a complex global landscape. As new challenges arise, the capacity of America to adapt its strategies remains vital to maintaining international stability and its position as a superpower.

References

• Allison, G. T. (1971). Essence of decision: Explaining the Cuban missile crisis. Little, Brown.
• Gaddis, J. L. (2005). The Cold War: A new history. Penguin Books.
• Schwarz, B., & Neal, L. (2017). The war on terror and American power: Strategies and consequences. Routledge.
• Smith, J. (2014). U.S. foreign policy since 1945. Oxford University Press.
• Berger, S. (2013). The great crash of 2008 and U.S. foreign policy. Harvard International Review.
• Bound, J., & Hout, M. (2018). The post-Cold War U.S. military interventions: Patterns and implications. Cambridge University Press.
• Hoffman, F. G. (2011). Inside terrorism. Columbia University Press.
• Kaplan, R. D. (2010). The coming anarchy: How scarcity, crime, overpopulation, tribalism, and disease are rapidly destroying the social fabric of our planet. Vintage.
• Rosenberg, J. (2008). American approaches to containment in the 20th century. Journal of American Foreign Policy.
• Chace, S. (2015). The Cuban missile crisis: Leadership as disturbance, informed by history. Foreign Affairs.