Policemen Of The World: History 105

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Policemen of the World Policemen of the World 5 History 105 By the Mid-20th century and after the civil war, the U.S. had become a dominating force in international relations. Some people argued that U.S. military functions as the world's police. This assignment will cover the past five years’ events that this shift occurred as well as the consequences that the U.S. faces as an outcome of its status as the policeman of the world. The United States foreign policy changed after September 11, 2001, and in January 2001, President George Bush assumed power as well as initiated a foreign policy through the name missile shield, which impacted parts of Europe. The missile shield of Bush was developed to counter intercontinental missiles from Iran. It was a signature initiative concerning both missile defense and Central Europe. He changed American foreign policy direction with the War on Terror speech before a joint session with Congress.

He stated that the U.S. was supposed to direct resources available through diplomacy, intelligence, and law enforcement to deal with each war. Bush also emphasized the need to defeat terror networks worldwide. Bush declared that nations offering support or aid to terrorism would be targeted, a stance that solidified the U.S. as the world's police and pressured global regions to align either with the U.S. or with terrorists (Robertson, 2015). This policy shift reflected a more proactive and militarized approach to international security, where the use of military force was justified as necessary to defend national interests.

The U.S. foreign policy saw a notable change in its readiness to use military force without necessarily seeking prior prevention measures. President Bush introduced the doctrine of preemptive strikes, which justified military actions based on perceived threats and potential WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) capabilities. The invasion of Iraq in 2003 was a pivotal moment, driven by concerns over Saddam Hussein’s alleged possession and potential use of WMDs (Schmitt, 2014). The U.S. military action in Iraq exemplified the expanded scope of U.S. policing functions on the global stage, with the intervention justified by national security concerns rather than concrete evidence at the time.

The humanitarian crisis resulting from the Iraq invasion further demonstrated U.S. role as a global policeman. Approximately 8 million people needed immediate aid, including 4 million displaced persons and those in need of food and medical assistance. U.S. military operations were leveraged in relief efforts, although security issues impeded effective assistance, exemplified by the lack of protection for humanitarian agencies such as the International Red Cross within Iraq (Slomanson, 2016). The prolonged conflict and instability highlighted the complex implications of military interventions as tools of foreign policy and global policing.

Beyond Iraq, U.S. military intervention was evident in other instances, such as the invasion of Panama in 1989 to overthrow Manuel Noriega, accused of drug trafficking and endangering U.S. nationals. The swift military victory and subsequent surrender of Noriega underscored the U.S. role in enforcing its interests and maintaining regional stability according to its strategic objectives (Haupt, 2015). These actions reflect a broader pattern of American interventionism motivated by a mix of geopolitical, security, and ideological goals—a hallmark of the U.S. functioning as the de facto global police force.

U.S. global policing efforts are often justified by the promotion of democracy, human rights, and the spread of American ideological values. The nation’s military interventions have historically aimed to preempt threats, protect economic interests, or promote democratic governance, sometimes resulting in controversy regarding sovereignty, humanitarian outcomes, and regional stability. While often viewed as necessary for global security, these interventions also raise questions about the limits of U.S. power, unilateral actions, and the long-term impacts on international relations.

In conclusion, the United States has increasingly assumed the role of a global policeman through military interventions, strategic policies, and diplomatic initiatives since the early 2000s. The post-9/11 era has particularly emphasized preemptive action and intervention justified by national security concerns. While these actions have bolstered U.S. influence worldwide, they also present challenges, including regional destabilization, increased anti-American sentiment, and questions about the legitimacy and ethical implications of such interventions. As the dominant military power, the U.S. continues to shape international security norms and demonstrate a willingness to use force to defend its interests and uphold its global leadership role.

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