Containment
Since American boots set foot on Iraqi soil shortly after September 11, 2001, the focus of American foreign policy has shifted to the Middle East. Different Religions, cultures, customs, and countless other characteristics of the Middle East classify it as the most difficult area in the world to be involved in. So many differences and long standing grudges all packed into very close proximity create a very hostile and explosive area that takes precision and great diplomacy to get anything done well in. There are many ideologies and leaders that we disagree with and Containment has been our longest friend. Because of World War II and Hitler's regime, America has vowed to never let anything like that happen again. People like Ahmadinejad of Iran and Assad of Syria are under the political microscope of the American government and military. While they do threaten America with nuclear weapons and abuse their power, military action has followed through with Containment. We let them do whatever they want inside their own borders, but the second they extend that, they are met with military force immediately.
Our foreign policy of Containment was skillfully crafted during the Cold War. Putting forces on each side and practically stalemating is what Containment is all about. We surround, we watch, we adjust, and we wait. Its a game of chess with no admiration to win; take Iran for an example. They openly threaten us, are assumingly making nuclear weapons, and are alligned with many of our other enemies. Anti-American propoganda and terrorist organizations spon from Iran and countries alike, but what do we do? We sit and wait. We win if we can keep them inside their own borders so they can not affect the rest of the world. Cutting off their trade, help, and communication with the world helps put pressure on their government to change. Containment in the modern world helps avoid all out war and saves American military resources. It allows the people of that country to enforce change upon their own government and keeps the hate away from America and more towards the problems inside their own borders.
Currently, Containment is being used towards North Korea and Kim Jung Un. Our fairly recent history with Korea as a whole has brought us to where we are today. The US backing the South against the communist dictatorial North has put us at a stand still at the 38th parallel. Our containment strategy has held strong as the cease fire has allowed us to simply contain them without the use of continued military action. This lets the South Korean army take charge of protecting their own with just a little help from us. Containment is the cheapest way of controlling diplomatic situations until the time comes when your containment is put to the test.
Our foreign policy of Containment was skillfully crafted during the Cold War. Putting forces on each side and practically stalemating is what Containment is all about. We surround, we watch, we adjust, and we wait. Its a game of chess with no admiration to win; take Iran for an example. They openly threaten us, are assumingly making nuclear weapons, and are alligned with many of our other enemies. Anti-American propoganda and terrorist organizations spon from Iran and countries alike, but what do we do? We sit and wait. We win if we can keep them inside their own borders so they can not affect the rest of the world. Cutting off their trade, help, and communication with the world helps put pressure on their government to change. Containment in the modern world helps avoid all out war and saves American military resources. It allows the people of that country to enforce change upon their own government and keeps the hate away from America and more towards the problems inside their own borders.
Currently, Containment is being used towards North Korea and Kim Jung Un. Our fairly recent history with Korea as a whole has brought us to where we are today. The US backing the South against the communist dictatorial North has put us at a stand still at the 38th parallel. Our containment strategy has held strong as the cease fire has allowed us to simply contain them without the use of continued military action. This lets the South Korean army take charge of protecting their own with just a little help from us. Containment is the cheapest way of controlling diplomatic situations until the time comes when your containment is put to the test.
Deterrence
There is one element of Foreign Policy that has yet to be discussed. Deterrence is the way we can back up containment and keep many enemies at bay. Our ridiculous amount of weaponry, warheads, military technology, and influence around the world economically allow us to assume the role of World Police. There is no one around the world that even comes close. Many Americans are tired of us getting involved in other countries business while we have our own problems here at home, but this is exactly why we are strong. Being in control allows us to influence outcomes and in most cases keep the enemy from crushing what is right. Deterrence and Containment go hand in hand as one alone will fail, but if you can wield both you become the strongest superpower the world has ever seen.
As with any time, countries have been at war and used foreign policies of their own. They stem from experience and common interests. There is always a reason why countries get involved into the affairs of others. Policies keep them focused and predictable. Throughout the Middle East and even the Pacific, America has kept very consistent in their foreign policies. Deterrence gives us back bone and is what our enemies actually fear. Currently our relations with Isreal have been weakened because the situation that puts us in to back them in war against Iran. Israel and all of our other allies know that with America on their side, many countries will leave our allies alone. Israel fears that if we pull our support from them, they will be destroyed and their land divided by the victors. Currently it has all been words, but with out the American support, Iran may have already nuked or attacked Israel like they say they will.
The American military's vast size and strength are definitely something to be feared. They can be wherever whenever on a moments notice and can come rolling in guns blazing. Its simply the American way. Since Vietnam the people have supported the troops whether they believed in the war efforts or not. There is always a push to keep the military strong, but many say it is too strong. The deterrence behind the promises and actions of the president are because of our strong military. No one comes close. Being this strong is essential if we are to continue being the world's police. The US is not perfect, but we bring a lot of hope to the world. We fight for democracy and for governments to support their people. We escaped tyranny ourselves and have made it our mission to help other countries who want to do the same just like the French helped us. People love America and the American way. Having the strongest military in the world to protect it and others is something that are synonymous. If we pull back our military and our influence around the world, there are trade offs and things will change around the world.