Premium Essay

The Cold War and the U.S. Diplomacy

In:

Submitted By cinthiaG83
Words 1576
Pages 7
The Cold War and U.S. Diplomacy
POL 300
January 31, 2012

The key problem for his presidency clearly would be the Vietnam War. It had driven his predecessor from office, and if it were not resolved in a way that could be turned to political advantage, it would drive him from office as well. Two months after Nixon assumed the presidency, American combat deaths exceeded thirty-six hundred, and there seemed no end in sight. Nixon was in a dilemma, for during the campaign he had said that he had a "secret plan" to end the war but could not divulge it because it might upset the Paris peace negotiations. If his plan involved escalation, Democrats could charge that he was abandoning attempts to reach a peaceful solution and could point to mounting American casualties and prisoners of war. If he negotiated a solution that led to the fall of the government in Saigon, Democrats could charge he had abandoned an ally. Nixon had to find a way to cut American commitments while preserving the non-Communist government in South Vietnam—at least for a "decent interval" so that the overthrow of the regime could not be blamed on the United States (Morgan 2002). Nixon, his national security adviser Henry Kissinger, and Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird settled on an approach with several elements. First, the Laird policy for "Vietnamization" was adopted. Responsibility for fighting would be turned over to the Vietnamese, in order to reduce American casualties. Gradually American forces would be withdrawn. This would buy time on the home front. Second, a variant of the "madman" approach in international relations would be adopted. The administration would warn the North Vietnamese that unless they settled soon they would be subjected to carpet bombing of cities, mining of harbors, and even the spread of radioactive debris to halt infiltration of the South.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

The Cold War and U.S. Diplomacy

...Assignment 1 - The Cold War and U.S. Diplomacy SHAMIKA WARD EMMANUEL OBUAH POL 300: Contemp Intl Problems May 31, 2013 The Cold War and U.S. Diplomacy The Reagan Doctrine was the foreign policy in the United States, enacted by President Ronald Reagan. The doctrine was design to eradicate the communist governments in Africa, Asia, and Latin America that were authorized and corroborated by the Soviet Union. This assignment will review by what method the United States delivered open and private backing to guerrilla and resistance movements during the Regan years. Additionally, explain the political doctrine detailed events that occurred in Afghanistan when the Soviet Union invaded. As a final point, this assignment will define the benefits and drawbacks established on the Regan Doctrine. Summarize the Situation of U.S. Diplomatic of the Regan Doctrine During the course of the initial years of the Cold War, Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter all endorsed dogmas against communism in order to enclose it. Ronald Regan prohibited their détente policy in 1979, when the Soviet Union attacked Afghanistan. This alone demonstrated that policies that only contain communism were unproductive. Regan criticized in the compromise policy when it emanated to any communist government. As an alternative, Reagan proposed the Rollback policy. The creation of the Reagan Doctrine moved from containment and dispersal to eradicating all current communist governments. Likewise...

Words: 1299 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

The Cold War and U.S. Diplomacy

...The Cold War and U.S. Diplomacy Strayer University Summer 2014 The purpose of the Reagan Doctrine was to “sponsor anticommunist guerrillas who are trying to overthrow pro-Soviet regimes” (Roskin, 2010, p.58). It was implemented in the mid-1980’s; specifically mentioned in a discrete manner in President Reagan’s 1985 State of the Union Address and lasted less than a decade, until the end of the Cold War in 1991. One of the major challenges that President Reagan faced throughout his time in office was Communism and the Cold War. Although these issues had been a problem through several presidencies, they began to escalate in the early years of Reagan’s administration. Reagan believed that President Carter provided minimal leadership to reverse communism. In 1985 President Reagan introduced the principles of the doctrine through support of anti-communist revolutions. During his State of the Union Address in 1985 he compared, “anticommunist forces with American colonists who had fought the revolutionary war, describing those latter-day patriots as ‘freedom fighters’ for democracy” (“The Reagan Doctrine”, 2014, par. 2). The doctrine was created to decrease the Soviet influence in Africa, Asia and Latin America as part of the Reagan administration’s Cold War strategy (Reagan Doctrine, 2014). It has been argued that the Reagan doctrine contributed to the fall of communism itself. One of the diplomatic efforts that occurred during Reagan’s time in office was the support...

Words: 1193 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

The Cold War Aand U.S. Diplomacy

...The key problem for his presidency clearly would be the Vietnam War. It had driven his predecessor from office, and if it were not resolved in a way that could be turned to political advantage, it would drive him from office as well. Two months after Nixon assumed the presidency, American combat deaths exceeded thirty-six hundred, and there seemed no end in sight. Nixon was in a dilemma, for during the campaign he had said that he had a "secret plan" to end the war but could not divulge it because it might upset the Paris peace negotiations. If his plan involved escalation, Democrats could charge that he was abandoning attempts to reach a peaceful solution and could point to mounting American casualties and prisoners of war. If he negotiated a solution that led to the fall of the government in Saigon, Democrats could charge he had abandoned an ally. Nixon had to find a way to cut American commitments while preserving the non-Communist government in South Vietnam—at least for a "decent interval" so that the overthrow of the regime could not be blamed on the United States (Morgan 2002). Nixon, his national security adviser Henry Kissinger, and Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird settled on an approach with several elements. First, the Laird policy for "Vietnamization" was adopted. Responsibility for fighting would be turned over to the Vietnamese, in order to reduce American casualties. Gradually American forces would be withdrawn. This would buy time on the home front. Second,...

Words: 316 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

The Cold War

...Assignment 1: The Cold War and U.S. Diplomacy Written By: Stephanie Moser For: Professor Eugene Zimbalkin Contemporary International Problems POL 300 11/07/2011 The doctrine that I chose to write about was Eisenhower and his doctrine that stated Use nukes and spooks to prevent Communists or other radical takeovers. (Berry, N and Roskin, M 2010) When Dwight Eisenhower took office he was well prepared when it came to matter in foreign affairs.(Diplomacy 2011) He knew many world leaders and he had charted many American military strategies around the world.(Diplomacy 2011) His approach to what was going on in the world is he did not want to let another communist country take over the world. (Diplomacy 2011) Second he knew that our nation was already spending a lot on the military defense. If he were to sink anymore money into it now it could cause our country to go bankrupt. (Diplomacy 2011) He appointed John Foster Dulles as Secretary of Sate and they came up with a new look to the U.S. National Security Policy. First they “wanted to maintain the vitality of the U.S. economy while still building up sufficient strength to prosecute the Cold War”(American 2011) Second “relying on nuclear weapons to deter Communist aggression or if necessary fight in a war.”(American 2011) Third using the “CIA to carry out secret or covert actions against governments or leaders directly or indirectly responsive to Soviet control”.(American...

Words: 1292 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Pol300 - Cold War

...Ronald Reagan - The Cold War and U.S. Diplomacy POL30048GA050-1118-001 IR: The New World of International Relations October 24, 2011 Abstract In this assignment, I will write a three to five page paper on President Ronald Reagan doctrine of The Cold War and U.S. Diplomacy during his presidency. In addition, this paper will address the following: 1. Summarize a situation that required U.S. diplomatic efforts during the president’s time in office. 2. Explicate the diplomatic doctrine the president followed, with reference to specific actions or events that occurred. 3. Describe the effects of these diplomatic efforts for the U.S. and other countries. 4. Assess, in conclusion, the advantages and disadvantages of the particular doctrine that was followed. Ronald Reagan - The Cold War and U.S. Diplomacy In this assignment, I will discuss President Ronald Reagan’s position on The Cold War and U.S. Diplomacy during his presidency. First, let me define the terms “The Cold War”, and “U.S. Diplomacy”. The Cold War was a period of military and political tension between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II. It was called the Cold War, because there was no direct fighting between the two powers. The term “U.S. Diplomacy” refers to a country’s ability or skill to negotiate on the international level between nations or groups of nations, or simply, it is political contact between national governments. Diplomacy is extremely important. It is the feedback...

Words: 2472 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Training and Development

...Running head: - TITLE The Cold War and U.S. Diplomacy The Cold War and U.S. Diplomacy Claudette E. Washington Professor Dr. Michael Simms POL 300 – International Problems May 5, 2016 Summarize a situation that required U.S diplomatic efforts during the president’s time in office. The patronizing presidency for Jimmy Carter obligated a one-term governor of a southern state with no coast-to-coast or global involvement. His individual foreign policy goals were understood in the statute of law as well as global matters and in the belief of independence for all people. Furthermore, he required the United States to yield the main indorsing surrounding widespread human rights. Mr. Carter said that the American power must be trained sparingly and that the United States would avoid military involvements as much as possible. Through my research Carter opinions were to help the American families, during the eras of the Soviet Union and to undergo recovery of two state financially control settlements that would relax Cold War strains. Carter's supporters requested his desired of the govern in a diverse way, he wanted not to appoint the Washington insiders to top overseas program locations. After the election Carter accepted the needs of professionals nearby him to deportment for his foreign policy. Carter was impressed with professor Zbigniew Brzezinski of Columbia University, asked him to be his national security adviser and...

Words: 1702 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Current Events and Diplomacy

...Current Events and US Diplomacy Strayer University December 8, 2012 Abstract In the history of diplomacy and political thought in general, nothing can influence objectives of the states more dynamically than changes in the international relations and progress of the process of globalisation. In this context, American diplomacy is not an exception. In the previous paper, Eisenhower’s Doctrine was analyzed by its essence and objectives in the framework of the requirements of the international relations and possible threat for the national security. The main aim of the present paper is to view American diplomacy in its evolution from Eisenhower’s approach to the modern diplomatic doctrine. Key words: global responsibility, supremacy, US diplomacy, the Cold War, Poland. Current Events and US Diplomacy In the history of diplomacy and political thought in general, nothing can influence objectives of the states more dynamically than changes in the international relations and progress of the process of globalisation. In this context, American diplomacy is not an exception. In the previous paper, Eisenhower’s Doctrine was analyzed by its essence and objectives in the framework of the requirements of the international relations and possible threat for the national security. The main aim of the present paper is to view American diplomacy in its evolution from...

Words: 1491 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Turkish Foreign Policy During the Cold War

...TURKISH FOREIGN POLICY DURING THE COLD WAR Turkey followed a “belligerence” policy from the start of II. World War in 1939 until the start of war in 1945. The purpose of that time managers of Turkey, protect it from the damage of the war. The end of the war with the options in front of us, pushing us to act together with the Western bloc. The formation of these preferences is not a decision for an instant multi-dimensional factors, factors were created by a process. Turkey’s prefer of Western side, did not lead to acceptance by the West sincerely. European members of NATO did not want to risk of war again because of Turkey who was under the Soviet threat at that time. At the same time, they were not willing to impart that the U.S. Marshall Aid to Turkey. Britain lost its efficiency in the Middle East as in all the world and for that reason Britain was put forward a project that "Commander of the Middle East" which Turkey will play a key role for gain efficiency again. Due to U.S. opposition to this prediction, this project got shelved.In the "Containment Policy" process which started with Truman Doctrine by U.S. against the Soviet Bloc, military and geo-strategic location of Turkey opened the door to NATO membership.With North Korea's attack on South Korea, the Korean War started in 1950-53 and the Turkey participating in United States’s side, this was resulting against all suspicies and prejudice, Turkey took place between NATO member countries.Russians wishes to change of...

Words: 3746 - Pages: 15

Premium Essay

How Did Latin America Enter The Twentieth Century

...proved turbulent. Following the political and economic development, WWII and the Cold War made it not able to function throughout the Western Hemisphere. Latin Americas’ major nation started to become part of a wide and bigger complex of the global system. Of Course, Latin American had its’ concerns that were subordinated and superpower for their rivalries. Between the 1960s and 1970s, the U.S. was supporting military dictatorships in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. These countries feared...

Words: 1698 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Work

...in America’s national identity, which is largely shaped by American core cultural values and "mainstream religions", these attitudes and traditions have played an important role in American social life, thus religious power naturally has penetrated into politics and foreign policy decisions more regularly in America than in other countries. Religious values are the sources of American “exceptionalism” and “messianism”. (Xie, p 39) After the Cold War¹, it became evident that religion was a key factor in many conflicts, including Bosnia, Rwanda, and Afghanistan. However, the ¹ “Cold War”: the state of hostility that existed between the Soviet bloc countries and the Western powers from 1945 to 1990. Oxford Dictionaries. April 2010. Oxford University Press. 16 December 2012. <http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/cold war?q=the cold war>. U.S. failed to predict the fall of the Iranian theocrats in 1979. (Patterson, p 3) Today, most security and foreign relation challenges faced by the U.S. are infused with religious factors―from its relations with Iran, to the Iraq...

Words: 1177 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

John F Kennedy's Foreign Policy

...naïve president who lacked a clear policy but the counter argument is that Kennedy was decisive and assertive. In order to judge whether John F. Kennedy lacked a clear policy in Vietnam we have to compare the policies of Dwight Eisenhower’s in Vietnam and John F. Kennedys policies and how it contradicted with their ideologies. The view by some historians is that The Dwight Eisenhower foreign policy was popularly known as the “New Look”. This policy aimed to maintain the American financial economy while Eisenhower was planning the Cold war and continue the containment of communism regime. Also, the “New look” policy relied heavily on nuclear weapons to stop communism. Therefore the policy was been...

Words: 1669 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Nixon

...The "Cold war" happens almost immediately following the end of World War II. The Vietnam War was a different or the United States; it was the start of a larger "Cold War", with Russia. Nixon shocked many people by building his political career as a Communist fighter. "Then onJuly 15, 1971, Nixon announced on national television that he would become the first president ever to visit the People's Republic of China, a nation which had remained isolated from the West since the Communist revolution in 1949." ( PBS) Nixon wanted to have a cordial relationship with all of the major world powers. The thought was it would reduce the possibility of future wars. Kissinger and Nixon like to act without the permission or the knowledge of the State Department and play power politics. ( PBS) At this time, they were playing Russia against China. Nixon knew that he had to do make concessions if wanted China to loosened trade and visa restrictions. "On July 25, on a stopover in Guam, the president announced what would become known as the Nixon Doctrine, a cornerstone of his foreign policy.(PBS) Tensions decreased with China with the Ping-Pong players travel to China this started "Ping-pong diplomacy", Which delighted the Americans. During this time the tension between Russia and The U.S increased because of the atomic bomb and nuclear weapons that both side had and though it could be used at any time. With Russia seeing that China was becoming more open to the U.S. Russia...

Words: 374 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Carter and Diplomacy Ii

...The Cold War and US Diplomacy II Carter and the Doctrine Dr. Igor Barsegian Pol 300 Contemporary International Problems March 7, 2015 Abstract January, 2010marked the 30th anniversary of the Carter Doctrine as recited by former President Jimmy Carter. The State of the Union, along with his Presidency moved forward without notice. The Carter Doctrine has had a transformative impact on U.S. national security policy. Both massive and lasting, its impact has also been almost entirely pernicious. Put simply, the sequence of events that has landed the United States in the middle of an open-ended war to determine the fate of the Greater Middle East begins here (Bacevich, April 2010) The Carter Doctrine was a policy proclaimed by the president of the United States Jimmy Carter in his State of the Union address on January 23, 1980, which stated that United States would use military force if necessary to defend its national interest in the Persian Gulf region. The doctrine was a response to the 1979 invasion of Afghanistan by Soviet Union, and was intended to deter the Soviet Union-the Cold war adversary of the United States-from seeking hegemony in the Gulf. After stating that Soviet troops in Afghanistan posed “a grave threat to the free movement of middle east oil,” Carter proclaimed (Bracevich, 2010). Carter’s new policy came about because he wanted to develop a containment strategy for the Persian Gulf area. When Carter came to office, unlike John F. Kennedy, his aim was...

Words: 1415 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Politics 300: Current Events & Us Diplomacy

...Pol 300 Contemporary International Problems Assignment 2 – Current Events and U.S. Diplomacy By Monique A. Frey-Jackson August 25, 2014 Professor PAZHWAK, NILLAB President Kennedy, a Doctrine: A doctrine is a form or a system that is put into place whether it is a direction of establishing foreign policy or control politically, that is put into action by a political administrative leader, a community, citizen, group, societies and states. The Presidential doctrine from President Kennedy at the time of the Cold War from 1961-1963 was, “Respond flexibly to communist expansion, especially to guerrilla warfare.” In 1962, when a surveillance plane by Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev and Soviet Union, took pictures of a nuclear missile site in Cuba, there seemed to be a great need for diplomacy. But looking at the relationship prior to that between the United States and the USSR, it was great when they were allies, as the United States gave the Soviet Union millions of dollars of weapons and additional support for their fight against Nazi Germany. The US and Russia became allies, in the liberation of Europe. As the war started to come to the end, countries that were occupied by Soviet forces, which also included “most” of Germany, people wanted to either choose democracy or communism, as the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill described this territory as being behind an  “Iron Curtain”. The Iron Curtain...

Words: 660 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Us History Review

...Part I: Identification Terms (5 @ 5 points each) Eight of the following terms will appear on the test, of which you will need to address five. Each will be worth 5 points, for a total of 25 points for the whole section. A good ID will be more than a sentence. You should write at least 4-5 sentences for each ID, being sure to define the term, explain its context, and identify its significance. Terms in BOLD are primarily from American Society since 1900. Paul Robeson: African American singer and actor who became involved with the Civil Rights Movement. He became politically involved in response to the Spanish Civil War, Fascism, and social injustices. His advocacy of anti-imperialism, affiliation with Communism, and his criticism of the US government caused him to be blacklisted during McCarthyism. Furthermore, Native Land was labeled by the FBI as communist propaganda. Anschluss: the occupation and annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany in 1938.[2] This was in contrast with the Anschluss movement (Austria and Germany united as one country) which had been attempted since as early as 1918 when the Republic of German-Austria attempted union with Germany which was forbidden by the Treaty of Saint Germain and Treaty of Versailles peace treaties. Germany became a dictatorship in 1933, when Adolf Hitler became chancellor. Hitler openly defied the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, which stated that Germany was not to acquire new territory or build up its military. Hitler...

Words: 2687 - Pages: 11