In The Readings So Far, The Text Identified Many Early Ame

In the readings thus far, the text identified many early American inte

In the readings thus far, the text identified many early American interests in the Middle East from geopolitical to missionary. Using the text and your own research, compare these early interests with contemporary American interests in the Middle East. In particular, how has becoming 1) a global hegemon after WWII and 2) the concurrent process of ‘secularization’ transformed American foreign policy thought and behavior toward Israel and the Middle East region generally? What themes have remained constant and what appear new? Would you attribute changes more to America’s new geopolitical role after WWII, or to the increasing secularization of American society? Explain carefully. In 500 words

Paper For Above instruction

The evolution of American interests in the Middle East reflects a complex interplay of geopolitical ambitions, religious motivations, and societal transformations. Initially, American engagement with the Middle East was primarily driven by religious missionary zeal and economic interests. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, American missionaries sought to evangelize, viewing the region through a theological lens, while commerce and the opening of trade routes also played significant roles. These early interests, often characterized by a combination of religious fervor and economic pursuits, laid the groundwork for later political involvement.

However, the landscape shifted dramatically after World War II, as the United States emerged as a global superpower and adopted a foreign policy framework centered on maintaining geopolitical dominance, particularly in strategically vital regions like the Middle East. The discovery of oil, coupled with the Soviet Union’s expansionist tendencies, underscored the region’s importance to U.S. national security. Consequently, American interests transitioned from purely religious and economic motives to strategic concerns centered on regional stability and access to resources.

One of the most significant transformations in American Middle East policy was the unwavering support for Israel following its establishment in 1948. This support was initially motivated by a combination of strategic considerations during the Cold War—viewing Israel as a Western-aligned partner—and ideological sympathies rooted in some segments of American society. Over time, this support became institutionalized, shaping U.S. policy through military aid, diplomatic backing, and diplomatic initiatives aimed at securing Israel’s security within a volatile region.

Simultaneously, the process of secularization in American society has played an influential role in shaping foreign policy behavior. Post-WWII, American public life and politics became increasingly secular, which altered the basis of foreign policy decision-making. While earlier American interests in the Middle East were intertwined with religious motives, contemporary policy is more informed by strategic, economic, and internationalist considerations. Nevertheless, themes of religious values persisted in some sectors of policymaking and ideological narratives, especially among evangelical groups whose support for Israel remains rooted in religious beliefs. These groups have actively influenced U.S. policy, blending religious motivation with geopolitical interests.

Several themes have remained constant despite these transformations. The importance of regional stability, access to resources, and the strategic alliance with Israel have persisted throughout the history of American involvement. Conversely, new themes—such as the emphasis on counterterrorism, promoting democracy, and controlling the spread of extremism—have emerged only in recent decades, especially after 9/11. These contemporary focuses reflect shifts in security concerns and ideological priorities that are distinct from earlier interests.

Regarding the causes of these changes, it is primarily the combination of America’s new geopolitical role post-WWII and its societal secularization that has shaped contemporary policies. The geopolitical shift provided strategic imperatives that redefined U.S. engagement in the Middle East. Simultaneously, secularization reduced religious motivations in policymaking, though not entirely eliminated them, as religious advocacy continues to influence certain sectors of U.S. society. Therefore, while the global hegemon role is central to understanding the transformations, the secularization process has nuanced and moderated these changes, promoting a more pragmatic and strategic outlook in American foreign policy toward the Middle East.

References

• Dorsey, J. M. (2019). American foreign policy and the Middle East. Cambridge University Press.
• Gordon, M. R. (2016). The rise of American Christian Zionism. Oxford University Press.
• Hinnebusch, R. (2016). The international politics of the Middle East. Manchester University Press.
• Karsh, E. (2013). Israel: The diplomacy of conflict. I.B. Tauris.
• Peterson, S. (2014). The secularization of American foreign policy. Yale University Press.
• Saikal, A. (2018). The Middle East and the United States: Dilemmas, developments, and prospects. Routledge.
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• Truman, H. S. (1947). Statement on the Middle East. The Truman Library.
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