By The Mid-20th Century, The United States Had Become The Do

By The Mid 20thcentury The United States Had Become The Dominant Forc

By the mid-20th century, the United States had become the dominant force in international relations. Some have argued that the United States’ military functions as the world’s “police.” This assignment covers the manner in which this shift occurred and the consequences the United States faces as a result of its status as “policemen of the world.” Using the Internet and reputable news sources, research two (2) real-life international incidents from the past five (5) years in which: The U.S. used military action abroad. Controversy existed within the American public regarding U.S. involvement. Controversy existed within the country or countries affected by U.S. involvement.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The emergence of the United States as a global police power has been a complex process driven by historical, political, and strategic factors. Over the past five years, U.S. military interventions overseas have exemplified this role, often leading to domestic and international controversy. This paper examines two recent incidents—U.S. military strikes in Syria and operations in Afghanistan—highlighting the significance of America's policing role and the multifaceted debates surrounding these actions.

Thesis Statement

The current role of the U.S. military as a global enforcer, exemplified by recent interventions in Syria and Afghanistan, underscores its strategic importance in maintaining international order while also provoking significant controversy domestically and abroad, reflecting the complex balance of power and ethical considerations inherent in modern interventionism.

Background and Historical Context

To understand the U.S.'s policing role, it is essential to consider historical factors that have shaped its rise since the Civil War. These include:

• The legacy of Civil War and Reconstruction, which fostered a strong federal government capable of projecting power nationally and internationally.
• Industrialization post-1865, which provided the economic base necessary for military expansion and global influence.
• Strategic alliances and policies like the Monroe Doctrine and Teddy Roosevelt’s Big Stick diplomacy, establishing the U.S. as a protector of its interests in the Western Hemisphere and beyond.

Two International Incidents from the Past Five Years

1. U.S. Strikes in Syria: In 2017 and 2018, the United States conducted missile strikes targeting Syrian government facilities in response to chemical weapon attacks, asserting intervention to uphold international norms against chemical warfare. Domestic controversy arose over the legality and morality of unilateral strikes without congressional approval, with debates over whether these actions violated national sovereignty or served humanitarian interests. Internationally, reactions ranged from support from allies to criticism from Russia and Syria, who viewed these as infringements on sovereignty.

2. Operations in Afghanistan (Continued Engagement): Although U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan began earlier, recent years saw controversial troop reductions and attempts to end the longest war in U.S. history. The decision to withdraw troops, culminating in the 2021 Taliban takeover, spurred criticism regarding the effectiveness of U.S. efforts to stabilize the region. Within the U.S., debates centered on the moral and strategic implications of leaving Afghanistan, while Afghanistan's population experienced severe instability, violence, and displacement—highlighting international and domestic controversy over interventionist policy.

Historical Aspects Contributing to U.S. Policing Role

• The manifestation of the Monroe Doctrine and subsequent interventions in Latin America establishing U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
• The expansion of military power during the World Wars and Cold War, emphasizing the U.S. role in global security and economic order.
• The development of nuclear capabilities and the doctrine of deterrence, positioning the U.S. as a nuclear superpower responsible for global security.

International Incidents Demonstrating U.S. Policing Role Post-WWII

• The Korean War (1950-1953): A U.N.-supported effort to repel North Korean aggression, exemplifying U.S. leadership in Cold War containment.
• The Vietnam War (1955-1975): U.S. intervention aimed at preventing the spread of communism, raising questions about intervention ethics and public support.
• The Gulf War (1990-1991): A coalition-led effort to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, showcasing multilateral military action designed to uphold international law.
• Operations in the Balkans (1990s): NATO-led interventions in Bosnia and Kosovo to prevent genocide and ethnic cleansing.
• Global War on Terror (2001-present): U.S. invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, stirring both support and controversy worldwide.

Driving Forces Behind Policy Decisions

• Strategic alliances such as NATO and bilateral treaties shaping collective security responses.
• Elections and political ideologies influencing intervention policies, from liberal internationalism to realist approaches.
• Domestic public opinion and media coverage affecting war commitments and troop deployments.
• International laws and bodies, including the United Nations, influencing the legality and legitimacy of military actions.
• Economic interests, including access to resources and global markets, motivating intervention in strategic regions.

Conclusion

The U.S. military’s role as a global policeman continues to be shaped by a combination of historic policies, strategic interests, and domestic politics. Recent interventions in Syria and Afghanistan exemplify this complex role, illustrating the balance between maintaining international order and managing controversy. As U.S. foreign policy evolves, understanding these dynamics remains essential for analyzing the future trajectory of American global influence.

References

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