U.S. Military & Foreign Policies

U.S MILITARY & FOREIGN POLICIES 5 U.S Military & Foreign Policies HIS 105 Prof. Vanessa Gilyard Bridget Lynn King University Affiliation August 19, 2017

The role of U.S. military and foreign policies has been pivotal in shaping global peace efforts and responding to international conflicts. Historically, the United States has frequently positioned itself as a global policeman, engaging in military interventions and diplomatic negotiations to address threats, prevent conflicts, and promote national security interests. This paper analyzes the evolution of U.S. military and foreign policies, with particular emphasis on key international events, historical contexts since 1865, and the driving forces that influence policy decisions.

Paper For Above instruction

The United States has a long history of military engagement and foreign policy initiatives aimed at maintaining stability and securing national interests. From the Cold War era to contemporary conflicts, U.S. policies have been shaped by geopolitical considerations, ideological conflicts, and security threats. These policies are often reflected in military interventions, diplomatic negotiations, and international peacekeeping missions, emphasizing both military strength and diplomatic influence.

International Events and Military Interventions

One of the notable recent events involving U.S. military action is the negotiation efforts for Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, exemplifies diplomatic endeavors to dismantle Iran’s nuclear weapon program through multilateral negotiations, mainly involving the United States, Iran, and other world powers (Le Billon & El Khatib, 2004). The U.S. aimed to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, which posed significant regional and global security concerns. Military assets such as missile systems, simulators, and assault helicopters have been central to U.S. deterrence and surveillance operations, including ongoing monitoring of Iran’s activities.

Another example of U.S. military intervention is its surveillance missions and airstrikes against ISIS in Syria, initiated under President Barack Obama in 2014. This targeted campaign aimed to weaken ISIS’s territorial control and prevent further terrorist activities. The use of assault helicopters, precision airstrikes, and reconnaissance missions exemplifies a combination of military technology and strategic diplomacy to achieve foreign policy objectives (Bittner, 1967).

Historical Context Since 1865

U.S. foreign policy since the end of the Civil War has been shaped by significant events and ideological shifts. During the Cold War era, ideological, economic, and military rivalry with the Soviet Union created a bipolar world characterized by espionage, propaganda, and numerous proxy wars. Atomic fears and nuclear deterrence became central themes in this period, influencing international policies aimed at arms control and non-proliferation (Hook & Spanier, 2015). World War II marked a turning point, establishing the U.S. as a superpower committed to global leadership and security alliances.

The Cold War’s geopolitical tensions drove policies such as containment of communism and intervention in conflicts like Korea and Vietnam. These wars reflected broader strategic goals of preventing the spread of ideology deemed hostile to U.S. interests and maintaining regional stability. The Vietnam War, in particular, demonstrated the complexities and challenges of military intervention, with significant domestic and international repercussions.

Driving Forces Behind Policy Decisions

Several factors have influenced U.S. foreign policy decisions over the years. The Vietnam War exemplifies the influence of ideological commitments and the desire to contain communism. Similarly, the production and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by countries like North Korea and Iran continue to be primary concerns that shape U.S. strategic objectives (Bittner, 1967). The Korean War also demonstrates how geographic proximity and the desire to safeguard American allies drove military engagement and policy formulation.

Economic interests, such as access to energy resources, have also played a crucial role. For instance, U.S. policies in the Persian Gulf, including military presence and diplomatic efforts, have been driven by the desire to secure oil supplies and counter regional threats, as discussed by Le Billon and El Khatib (2004). These intertwined security and economic factors underscore the complexity of U.S. foreign policy, which often balances diplomatic negotiations, military interventions, and strategic alliances.

Conclusion

The evolution of U.S. military and foreign policies demonstrates a continuous effort to adapt to changing global circumstances. From Cold War tensions and nuclear deterrence to modern counter-terrorism efforts, U.S. policies are shaped by a mixture of ideological, security, and economic considerations. While military actions are often prominent, diplomacy and international cooperation remain central to strategy. Understanding these historical and contemporary factors provides insight into the motivations behind U.S. interventions and foreign policy decisions, illustrating the country’s ongoing role as a pivotal actor in global geopolitics.

References

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