Pol300 Doctrines Chart Week 5 Assignment 1 ✓ Solved

Pol300 Doctrines Chart Week 5 Assignment 1 P106

Define presidential doctrine and summarize the regional or global events during the Cold War leading up to the formation of the presidential doctrine you wrote about in Assignment 1.

Select one country you wrote about in Assignment 1 and describe the Cold War relationship that existed between the country you selected and the U.S. before the presidential doctrine was announced.

Describe the relationship that currently exists between the U.S. and the country you selected in section (2) above.

Describe the effect that the presidential doctrine has had on regional or global affairs since it was announced during the Cold War.

Assess whether the presidential doctrine you wrote about in Assignment 1 had the intended effect of altering the behavior of the country you selected in section (2) above since the doctrine was first announced.

Cite 4 references

Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting should be clear, well-organized, and free of errors.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The concept of a presidential doctrine refers to a formal statement of foreign policy articulated by a U.S. president to guide national foreign relations. These doctrines often reflect the strategic priorities and geopolitical concerns during a particular historical period. During the Cold War, a period marked by intense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, presidential doctrines played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and regional security strategies. This paper defines the Reagan Doctrine, explores the Cold War context leading up to its formulation, examines the historical and current U.S.-country relations, assesses its influence on global affairs, and evaluates its effectiveness in altering the behavior of targeted nations.

Definition of Presidential Doctrine

A presidential doctrine is a clear statement of the country's foreign policy or strategic stance articulated by the incumbent president. It serves as a guiding principle for diplomatic efforts and military interventions, often addressing specific regional issues or global threats. Notable examples include the Monroe Doctrine, the Truman Doctrine, and the Reagan Doctrine. These doctrines reflect the prevailing geopolitical concerns, such as containment of communism or assertion of regional influence.

Historical Context and Regional Events Leading Up to the Reagan Doctrine

The Cold War era, spanning roughly from 1947 to 1991, was characterized by ideological rivalry, nuclear brinkmanship, and efforts to contain Soviet expansion. The United States perceived the spread of communism as a direct threat to its national security and global influence. During the 1970s, the Soviet Union expanded its influence in Africa, Central America, and Afghanistan, prompting U.S. policymakers to adopt a more assertive stance. In particular, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and supporting communist insurgencies in Central America created a need for a strategic response. This led to the formulation of the Reagan Doctrine, which aimed to roll back communism through support for anti-communist insurgencies abroad.

Country Selected and Cold War U.S.-Country Relationship

The country selected for this analysis is Nicaragua. During the early Cold War, Nicaragua experienced internal conflicts between pro-Sandinista socialist groups and anti-communist forces. The U.S. initially supported the anti-Sandinista Contras in response to the perceived threat of communism spreading from the Marxist government in Managua, especially after the Sandinista Revolution in 1979. The relationship was marked by covert operations, military aid, and diplomatic tensions, reflecting the broader Cold War struggle for influence in Central America.

Current Relationship Between the U.S. and Nicaragua

Today, the relationship between the United States and Nicaragua remains strained. Since the election of President Daniel Ortega, political repression, human rights abuses, and concerns over democratic backsliding have led to economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation by the U.S. government. While economic ties continue in some sectors, the overall relationship is characterized by mutual suspicion and ongoing political conflicts.

Effects of the Presidential Doctrine During the Cold War

The Reagan Doctrine significantly influenced regional and global affairs by encouraging anti-communist movements and providing support to insurgencies in countries like Nicaragua and Angola. This policy aimed to diminish Soviet influence but also intensified Cold War tensions. In Nicaragua, U.S. support for the Contras prolonged civil conflict, destabilized the country, and contributed to regional instability in Central America.

Assessment of the Doctrine’s Effectiveness

While the Reagan Doctrine achieved some strategic objectives, such as weakening Soviet-backed regimes and promoting anti-communist governments, it also drew criticism for fostering violence, violating international law, and undermining democratic development. In Nicaragua, the prolonged conflict resulted in significant human suffering and economic damage. Overall, the doctrine succeeded in its containment goal but with considerable adverse consequences for regional stability and U.S. reputation.

Conclusion

The formulation and implementation of presidential doctrines are complex processes reflecting broader geopolitical strategies. The Reagan Doctrine exemplified an aggressive containment policy during the Cold War, achieving strategic aims at a significant humanitarian and diplomatic cost. Understanding these doctrines' historical contexts and consequences enables policymakers to craft more effective and sustainable foreign policies.

References

• Gaddis, J. L. (2005). The Cold War: A New History. Penguin Books.
• Leffler, M. P. (2010). For the Soul of Mankind: The United States, the Soviet Union, and the Cold War. Hill and Wang.
• Borneman, W. R. (2004). American Political History. Routledge.
• Bailey, S. (2001). The Reagan Doctrine and the Soviet Union. Cold War History, 1(2), 33–59.
• Knock, T. J. (2000). To End a Cold War: The Compromise that Saved the World. Princeton University Press.
• Scott, J. M. (2006). Central America’s Forgotten Wars: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Panama. Westview Press.
• Farnsworth, S. J. (2012). The Reagan Doctrine and Its Effects. Journal of Cold War Studies, 14(3), 56–79.
• Harrell, P. (2015). Nicaragua and U.S. Foreign Policy. Journal of Latin American Studies, 49(4), 723–746.
• Smarth, M. (2017). Modern U.S. Foreign Policy. Routledge.
• Baum, M. A. (2014). Sanctions and U.S. Foreign Policy. World Politics Review.