Introduction
When World War II ended, the US adopted an aggressive foreign policy in order to relate with other nations globally. The country was considered a super power and, therefore, it began to assert its influence on the world map, adopting a vibrant international policy that it considered important to protect and achieve its national interests. During the entire period of the cold war, the US, previously considered an inactive economic, military and political giant, moved away from its cherished isolationist policy that had historical attachment to its founding fathers in favor of an active intervention policy on world issues (Niebuhr 10). This essay is a critical analysis of the reasons that facilitated the adoption of an active international policy by the United States during the cold war crisis. It will also look at the impact the adoption of such policy had on the economy, political structures and social institutions in the United States.
Reasons why America Adopted a Vibrant International policy
America became involved directly in the affairs of other countries because it believed that the world was engaged in a struggle for freedom against tyrannies ("Nixon's 'Peace With Honor' Broadcast On Vietnam"). American leaders were of the view that their engagement was meant to preserve justice in the middle of cruelty in a system controlled by evil people. The leaders believed that they had a duty to protect innocent citizens in these countries that were oppressed by dictators to illuminate hope to the poor. The American economic scholars tie economic prosperity of any nation to peace, political tolerance, and equal opportunities granted to all citizens. Rev. Martin Luther King supported the involvement of US in the Vietnam War because he believed that Vietnam leaders were “enemies of the poor” and that America should invest necessary funds as well as energies to remove such leaders from power and rehabilitate the poor in Vietnam ("Rev. Martin Luther King, Beyond Vietnam: A Time To Break Silence"). This, he believed, would offer new beginnings to a people with broken hope. To secure guarantee of liberties in Vietnam, America needed to physically send ground troops to Vietnam to rescue the people who were oppressed by the evil rulers.
America became involved in global affairs to promote human rights. American leaders who leaned the Christian faith argued that every man must have unique access to freedom since it is an aspect that distinguishes man from other creatures. They believed that people were created to have dominion in nature and its forces. This freedom and right was meant to make nature serve human ends. To exercise their rights and freedom, men were simply asserting their creative capabilities. The exercise of human capacities may be limited when political leaders do not allow exercising of these rights ("The Fall Of Berlin, 1945"). It was the duty of Americans to assist other nations whose citizens had been denied these freedoms and rights. The American constitution had been categorical to giving people their freedom to civil rights. Civil rights groups together with national leaders including Martin Luther King Jr. were vocal in urging America and other countries to give rights to its citizens regardless of their race and ethnicity. This formed the foundational stone that was stepped on to engage other nation’s affairs to compel their governments to grant civil rights to the citizens. In his lecture, President Kennedy insisted that all global nations have a duty to grant their citizens freedom and human rights without which America would do all within its powers to restore these rights.
America left its isolationist policy in international policy because it was of the opinion that it had national interests namely commercial navigation and trade agreements it had to secure ("Avalon Project - The Tonkin Gulf Incident; 1964"). The Vietnamese government deliberately attacked US naval vessels and its facilities that were operating in operational waters thereby aggrieving the nation. The president had to break silence and use force and other facilities against the hostile enemy that was threatening the national interest. The Americans were unanimous in supporting the decision of their nation to protect its national peace and security even if it meant substantial damage to the enemy. Leaders from both coalitions of parties in the United States’ congress agreed to resolve the involvement of the US army in the Vietnam War. This is also demonstrated by unity of members of congress and American public on the space craft race issue. The general opinion was that America needed to act swiftly to counter the progress of the Russians which was seen as a threat to national security and intelligence. The United States leaders thus agree that its national security and interests are the first responsibility that makes its army to be engaged in global affairs if only to deter hostile aggressions and threats by hostile global peers.
America became inclined to securing raw materials that it needed for its industries. Among the national interests that the US government was determined to safeguard was its commercial relations it had with foreign nations ("Beyond Vietnam**"). The Americans favored an international trade that was freer as compared to Europe which preferred mercantilism. The American government viewed colonies and other countries strategic to its trade ambitions. The political approach was integrated to economic views that formed the legitimate aim of political machineries to consider an open system in international policy. This meant that the government could interfere with rivals who threatened its trade. This is exemplified by the coercions of foreign nations to be open to trade by placing embargoes to their oil. President Nixon lost the confidence of the nation and congress for his failure to contain the economic crisis of the United States under threat from communists.
Results of a vibrant international policy on America
Scholars agree that America’s involvement in global affairs was only meant to further its international interests which revolved around economic benefits than political interests. America historically views engagement in conflicts among nations as a threat to its established market for its industries. When United States had an interventionism policy, it was primarily because the nations engaged in war were vital to its national interests ("President Willam Mckinley On Annexation"). With America becoming proactive in democratization of other nations through military intervention and subsequent restoration of peace and stability, America’s anticipation to find strategic markets for its goods and services to this market ("WGBH American Experience . Jimmy Carter | PBS"). Through engaging in military intervention in foreign countries, America has gained economic strength.
As a result of adoption of the military to democratize countries with dictatorial regimes, it has returned the freedom to rule to the citizens in the affected nation. This has made US to be viewed as a global hero and in return the American investors can exploit the resources in these countries for economic benefits (Neibhur 1). Where America has had military operations, human rights have been restored to the citizens of that country, the economy greatly improved and prosperity noticed. The citizens of these nations have also benefited from American skills, technology and knowledge for the growth of these nations. This has been translated into better governance and infrastructural structures in these countries.
The engagement of the United States of America in other nations has had a far-reaching effect on the social integration of Americans in foreign countries. There are people from the United States that currently live in other countries outside the United States’ territories. These people act as agents and ambassadors of the American values and principles in foreign lands. There are now communities of American citizens living in foreign lands acting as medical officers in war-torn nations, as missioners and as volunteers in front line battles ("Beyond Vietnam**").
Conclusion
In conclusion, the American engagement in global affairs has enabled it to protect the global security, peace, human rights and freedoms and the prosperity of America. America’s proactive international policy has mostly revolved around Economic prosperity, freedom promotion and national security. The global problems are felt even in America. Therefore, it cannot pull back to isolation. To this end, its engagement with international affairs has had a huge impact on its economy, political status and culture.
Works Cited:
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" Beyond Vietnam**". Mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu. N.p., 2016. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
"President Willam Mckinley On Annexation". Historymatters.gmu.edu. N.p., 2016. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
""Rev. Martin Luther King, Beyond Vietnam: A Time To Break Silence". Hartford-hwp.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
Niebuhr, Reinhold. The irony of American history. University of Chicago Press, 2010. Print.
"Nixon's 'Peace With Honor' Broadcast On Vietnam". Watergate.info. N.p., 2016. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
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"WGBH American Experience . Jimmy Carter | PBS". American Experience. N.p., 2016. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.
