Assignment 2.1: Policemen of the World Thesis and Outline
Assignment 2.1: Policemen of the World Thesis and Outline
Thesis
The United States of America has a great influence over other nations because it is the most powerful nation in the world. Involvement of the United States in international affairs has earned it the reputation of being the “Policemen of the World”. Acting as the world’s policemen, the United States has managed to use policies and practical military actions in war as well as in conflict-torn areas all mover the world so as to enforce global security (Benhabib, 2008, p. 97).
Outline
Determine two to three (2-3) international events from the past five years that can be traced back to a foreign policy created after the Civil War.
1. The United States war with Afghanistan rebels (2001-2014). The Afghanistan had decided to have a government on the ground as it had agreed with the United States. However, the United States had created a foreign policy that aimed at removing the al-Qaida group from conducting its operations. Osama bib Laden was a threat to the United States and he had to be killed so as to stop al-Qaida operations.
2. Iraq Invasion (2003)- The United States invaded Iraq under the pretext to uncover the Iraq’s Weapons of Mass Destructions (WMDs). This made Iraq to comply with United Nation resolutions thus saving Iraq from decades old tyranny of Saddam Hussein.
List three (3) aspects of US history since 1865 that has led to the US’s rise as a world superpower policeman?
1. Industrial Revolution- In 1865, the United States had an over 50% growth and development of its economy due to formation of the industrial revolution. Majority of nations were dependent on the U.S government thus it became a Superpower (Lostumba, 2013).
2. The developments in the U.S. foreign policy- During the Spanish American war, the United States developed foreign policies such as “Teller Amendment” declaring that it would not attempt to exercise hegemony over Cubans. The United States took over the Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines thus making it superpower policeman.
3. Increased Military development-the United States government extended its Military force to China in “Open Door Note”, in 19th century. The United States helped to prevent a possible disintegration of China, setting conditions for advantageous Sino-American relations. This made the United States a superpower policeman (Lostumba, 2013).
List three to five (3-5) international incidents since World War II where America has taken on a policing role?
1. Afghanistan War Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-2014) - in 7th October 2001, President George W. Bush announced that the United States military forces will began airstrikes on Taliban and al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan.
2. Iraq War 2003-2011 Operation New Dawn- the United States secretary of States Colin Powel made the case to the United Nations that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein posed an imminent threat. In 17th march 2003, President George W. Bush issued an ultimatum to President Saddam Hussein and his family to leave Iraq within 48hours or face military action.
3. The Gulf war - the United States sent military forces to Iraq to attack the Al-Qaida. The group had formed its base in Iraq and was being financed by the late President of Iraq Saddam Hussein. Osama bin Laden was in Iraq strategizing how to kill George W. Bush and for that reason, President Bush ordered for the operation to destroy the al-Qaeda and kill their leader Osama. (Vine, 2015).
List three to five (3-5) driving forces that fueled international policy decisions involving the international incidents you outlined previously. (Consider treaties, exit strategies, elections, wars, etc.)?
Expelling Iraq from Kuwait
Osama bin Laden’s al Qaeda Network
Iraq/ISIS
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
Saddam Hussein invasion Kuwait
References
Benhabib, S. (2008). US Foreign Policy; The Legitimacy of Human Rights. Daedalus, Vol. 137, Issue 3, p. 94-104.
Lostumbo, M. (2013). Overseas basing of U.S. military forces: An assessment of relative costs and strategic benefits.
Vine, D. (2015). Base Nation: How U.S. military bases abroad harm America and the world.
Winters, B. H. (2014). World of trouble. Philadelphia: Quirk Books.
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