Define Presidential Doctrine And Summarize The Regional G ✓ Solved

Define presidential doctrine and summarize the regional or global events during

This assignment requires writing a comprehensive analysis of a presidential doctrine, including its historical context during the Cold War, relationships with a specific country, and its effects on international relations.

Specifically, the task is to:

1. Define presidential doctrine and summarize regional or global events during the Cold War leading up to the formation of the specific doctrine discussed in Assignment 1.
2. Select one country discussed in Assignment 1 and describe the Cold War relationship that existed between that country and the United States before the doctrine was announced.
3. Describe the current relationship between the U.S. and the selected country.
4. Describe the effects that the presidential doctrine has had on regional or global affairs since its announcement during the Cold War.
5. Assess whether the doctrine has succeeded in altering the behavior of the selected country since its announcement.
6. Use at least four credible academic resources in the analysis.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Presidential doctrines are statements or principles articulated by U.S. Presidents to guide foreign policy and influence international relations. These doctrines often encapsulate the U.S. government's strategic priorities and serve as benchmarks for diplomatic engagement. Understanding their origins, especially within the context of the Cold War, reveals how they shaped regional and global dynamics.

1. Defining Presidential Doctrine and Cold War Context

A presidential doctrine is a formal or informal statement of U.S. foreign policy that signals the nation's approach to particular international issues or regions. During the Cold War, several doctrines emerged as responses to the ideological rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. For instance, the Truman Doctrine, announced in 1947, aimed to contain communism by providing political, military, and economic assistance to countries resisting Soviet influence. This was a strategic pivot from previous policies and marked the U.S. commitment to prevent the expansion of communism worldwide.

The Cold War was characterized by regional conflicts, proxy wars, nuclear arms race, and ideological competition that influenced U.S. foreign policy. Key events included the Berlin Blockade (1948-1949), the Korean War (1950-1953), and the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962). These events underscored the need for doctrines that articulated U.S. commitments and strategies for dealing with Soviet expansionism and global influence.

2. Cold War Relationship with a Selected Country: Cuba

Prior to the announcement of the Truman Doctrine, the relationship between the United States and Cuba was characterized by economic and political influence, with Cuba being an important partner in the Caribbean. However, the 1959 Cuban Revolution led to the overthrow of Batista and the rise of Fidel Castro. This shift marked a radical change, turning Cuba into a socialist state allied with the Soviet Union. The Cold War relationship then became highly antagonistic, with the U.S. viewing Cuba’s alignment with Moscow as a threat to regional stability, culminating in events like the Bay of Pigs invasion (1961) and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

3. Current U.S.-Cuba Relationship

Today, the relationship remains complex. Although diplomatic ties were re-established in 2015 under the Obama administration, full normalization has been limited, and economic sanctions continue in various forms. Cuba remains politically aligned with socialist principles, while the U.S. continues to emphasize democratic reforms and human rights. The relationship is characterized by heightened diplomatic tensions, sporadic negotiations, and ongoing disagreements over issues such as migration, trade, and political freedoms.

4. Effects of the Presidential Doctrine on Global Affairs

The Truman Doctrine set a precedent for active U.S. intervention and containment policies that influenced Cold War strategies. It led to increased military commitments and the formation of alliances such as NATO. The doctrine also triggered countermeasures by the Soviet Union, escalating tensions and proxy conflicts around the world. Its legacy persists in American foreign policy, influencing subsequent doctrines like Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative and Bush’s War on Terror. These policies aimed to contain perceived threats and promote U.S. interests globally.

5. Impact on the Behavior of Cuba

Since the doctrine’s inception, especially considering the hostile policies post-1959, Cuba's behavior has been notably resistant to U.S. influence. Despite economic embargoes and diplomatic isolation, Cuba persisted in aligning with socialist principles and supporting revolutionary movements in Latin America and Africa. While U.S. policies aimed to weaken and destabilize Cuba, the country’s government maintained its ideological stance and regional alliances. Thus, the doctrine’s effectiveness in altering Cuba’s behavior appears limited, and in some cases, it reinforced Havana’s resilience and anti-American sentiment.

Conclusion

Presidential doctrines like the Truman Doctrine significantly influence international relations. While they aim to shape the behavior of targeted nations, their success varies based on regional context and the scope of U.S. engagement. The case of Cuba exemplifies a scenario where despite U.S. efforts, the country adhered to its ideological commitments, highlighting the complexities of applying doctrines in geopolitically sensitive areas.

References

• Allison, G. (2017). Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides’s Trap? Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Gaddis, J. L. (2005). The Cold War: A New History. Penguin.
• Hastedt, G. P. (2016). American Foreign Policy: The Dynamics of Choice in the 21st Century. Rowan & Littlefield.
• Leffler, M. P., & Westad, O. A. (2010). The Cold War: A New History. Basic Books.
• Smith, R., & Wesson, L. (2014). U.S. Foreign Policy in the 21st Century. Routledge.
• Trachtenberg, M. (2004). The Cold War and After: History, Theory, and the Logic of International Politics. Princeton University Press.
• Westad, O. A. (2017). The Cold War: A World History. Vintage.
• Blank, S. (2019). U.S. Foreign Policy: A Reference Handbook. ABC-CLIO.
• Foner, E. (2017). Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Perkins, D. (2014). The Anglo-American Relationship and European Security. Routledge.