Book Report- Ideology and U.S. Foreign Policy
Introduction
Ideology and U.S. Foreign Policy is a book by Professor Michael H. Hunt that describes the history of the American foreign policy and how it has affected the nation. The author has taken us through historical events and facts that led to the implementation of the policy and what the initiators thought would impart on the nation. This is made in relation to the events that followed its implementation, which includes various resistances from people who thought America was being too selfish1. The author looks at both the positive and negative impacts of the US foreign policy to the nation and other foreign countries. In his conclusion, he makes suggestions on what he thinks should have been the situation and some of the books and literature materials that will give the reader more information on the topic.
Part 1: Summary
The United States foreign policy has its roots way back in the eighteenth century. This began with the civil wars that were followed by the first and second world wars. America was going through many changes with the need to gain popularity in the world. Most of the wars that were fought in history revealed a lot about the state and the need to secure its position in the market. The need for security and economic prosperity made most of the leaders to think of ways that will enhancing its social status in the world. It was also at a time when other nations had plans to secure its people as well as its economy. The need for the country to dominate the world and most probably be the center through which other decisions would be based drove the county into a number of civil wars. It was mainly a time of tasting who had what was needed to occupy a particular place.
As the wars raged, America became even more worried especially when they realized that they were not well equipped for battle. The country realized that it had initialed a war it may not be able to handle. It was a season where the strength of a country was determined by their ability to conquer and occupy locations of economic potential. The nations they were fighting such as France proved to them that they equally had the weapons needed to fight. United States was defeated im most of the civil wars which led to the death of many soldiers. The worry was that the country may loose most of its young men to war and therefore not having the needed resources to build the countries economy2. The leaders had the option of retreating from the war to protect the interests of its people or fight on to protect their identity. They choose the latter, a decision that was considered selfish by many other ideologies. Retreating meant they had conceited defeat, which was considered a shame by the leaders who aimed at making united states a super power.
The author also mentions about the selfish motives that drove politicians to adopt some policies ignoring the plight of the average American. The system of the government did not allow citizens to participate in decision-making. They could wake up to sounds of gunshots as young men were separated from their families to participate in wars they had little information about. Most of them perished in wars or simply disappeared in the wars. Their families had no idea of the specific location where they were deployed or whether they were alive or not. It was in fact a miracle if they ever came back home. Most of those who came back came in a worse situation than they went. They were either physically disabled or psychologically disturbed because of what they were forced to do and experience. All this was designed for the good of the country yet it was negatively affecting the very people it was meant to protect.
As it became clear that United States was not very competent in fighting physical battles, politicians looked for other means through which they would dominate the world. They learned a lesson that there was need to invest more in military to enhance the security that was required. The most unfortunate thing about the wars is that hardworking citizens were forced to pay more in terms of taxes to finance wars they did not approve of. When the country failed to dominate the powerful, their next target was the weakest. These were underdeveloped nations, which formed the majority. United States realized there were many unexploited resources that they would utilize for their benefit only if they formed allies with the nations. This was also a move that was not welcomed by other revolutionists and international communities who considered it to a be self-centered decision. This did not however hinder the country from going a head with the decision. As they invaded other nations in the name of protecting their interest and civilizing them, the country has found itself in continuous wars and terrorist threats, consequences that are being suffered by the average citizens.
Part 2: Analysis
Michael H. Hunt has achieved his objective of informing the American population and other interested parties on what the United States foreign policy entailed and how it affects the country to date. This is done strategically citing historical facts and examples. The events that have been mentioned in the book have effectively been related to other subsequent events just to justify what the author intended.
It is clear from the literature that the author was had a specific message that he wanted to communicate. He had his personal views, which he sought to justify through historical events3. This made his choice of events and facts to be biased. This is not book to inform people about the history of the American foreign policy but simply to criticize it as negative. Despite the various weakness of the policy that was displayed by the leaders, there are other positive and commendable actions done by the politicians. However, they were left out simply because the Hunt wanted to display the negative outcomes of the foreign policy. Considering the time and period when it was written, it should not have been displayed this way.
Despite the fact that American politicians are responsible for the terrorist’s attacks and threats that face the nation, criticizing historical events will not help heal the nation. This is simply because what was done cannot be reversed and people have to look for other measures that will enhance safety and security of the nation. Apart from just criticizing, it is important to appreciate some of their achievements, which included making America to be on the limelight especially when it comes to civilization4. It is mainly because of the foreign policy that the United States was able to impart other underdeveloped nations. They were able to learn a lot from the country and even get the support they needed to revive their economies. These are some of the major historical events that have been neglected by the author
Strengths
Despite the weaknesses, the author is commended for a critical analysis of historical facts, which he has used to relate to other events. He is a writer who knows how to convince readers about his literature. His presentation is based on facts rather than assumptions. After analyzing what he considered historical facts, he goes a head to make suggestions on what should have been done and what needs to be done. He is therefore not just pointing out a problem but goes a head to suggest solutions. Just as his literature, his solutions are supported by facts, which make it an interesting book to read5. The author also recognizes the ability of other writes who share his opinion. Just to clarify and strengthen his points, he suggests other literature materials that the readers can refer.
Ideologies
The US foreign policy was based on economic ideology, social ideology and racial hierarchy. The economic ideology advocated for the measures that will be taken to promote the United States economy. This was done by making allies with nations that had economic resources. All they needed was to influence such nations with their ideas. By adopting what they advocated for, they would also allow them to control their economic resources by advising them what to do with them. it was all about exchange of ideas and resources with the US being the main beneficiary.
The social ideology was to present United States as the most superior nation in terms of social influence. They considered themselves to be the most liberalized when it came to culture. This therefore implied that their cultural standing could be adopted by any nation that desired to share in its status6. They did this by selling their ideas to foreign nations, influencing them to forsake their cultural values terming tem primitive and adopting what they thought was classy. This meant that nations that bought the idea would allow the US to influence their education system and religious values.
Racial hierarchy was another foreign ideology that was adopted by the United States. Under this, whites were considered more superior than other races. This meant that whites were to access privileges that other races could not access. By doing this, they would demand respect from other races and hence gaining what they wanted without much issues. It was all about making other races believe that whites were more privileged because of the resources they had, this meant that if other races accorded them the respect, them they are likely to benefit from them.
Conclusion
History is important in letting people know where they have come from, understand where they are and make decisions on where they would like to be. Michael H. Hunt is one of the authors that assist generations in getting a vivid picture of what America was some years back. It is important for people to comprehend what the country is currently facing especially in relation to decisions that were made earlier. This will help them mot take for granted some of the favors they currently enjoy. By knowing that there is a family that had to grow up without a father figure in the family simply because they had gone out for war, will ensure that they appreciate the freedom and liberty they currently enjoy. It also acts as a reminder that they have a responsibility to play in ensuring that America will be better in the coming years. This requires a great deal of sacrifice and risks. As they make and implement decisions, they should know that the future of the country would mainly depend on their current choices. It is therefore important for them to leave a positive legacy that will be appreciated at a latter date.
Bibliography:
Dumbrell, John & Barrett, David. The making of US foreign policy. London: Manchester
University Press ND, 1997.
Hunt, Michael . Ideology and U.S. foreign policy. New York: Yale University Press, 2009.
