US history 3 Flashcards
isolationism/Monroe Doctrine
A foreign policy of withdrawal from international affairs. President James Monroe’s message to the Congress cautioned against European interference in the Western Hemisphere, as European intervention posed threats on American interests. The doctrine established a policy of regionalism and isolationism from European affairs. (1823)
Cold War
A prolonged period of adversarial relations
between the two superpowers, the United States and the
Soviet Union. During the Cold War, which lasted from
the late 1940s to the late 1980s, many crises and confrontations brought the super-powers to the brink of
war, but they avoided direct military conflict with each
other.
containment/Truman Doctrine
The basic U.S. policy toward the Soviet Union
during the Cold War, according to which the Soviets
were to be contained within existing boundaries by
military, diplomatic, and economic means, in the
expectation that the Soviet system would decay and
disintegrate. 1947: Truman Doctrine The Doctrine initiated a policy focusing on containment in order to prevent the spread of communism which established the U.S. as a significant global force in the Cold War.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
An organization
including nations of Western Europe, the United States,
and Canada, created in 1949 to defend against Soviet
expansionism.
nuclear deterrence
Nuclear deterrence is a military strategy where one power uses the threat of retaliation to prevent an attack from an adversary. Specifically, in the context of nuclear weapons, it involves convincing potential aggressors that the risks and costs of their actions far outweigh any potential gains12. One key concept within nuclear deterrence is mutual assured destruction (MAD), which posits that both sides would suffer catastrophic consequences if they engaged in a nuclear conflict, leading to a stalemate that discourages aggression3. Essentially, it’s about maintaining peace through the fear of devastating consequences.
MAD (Mutual Assured Destruction)
Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) is a concept in nuclear deterrence where both sides possessing nuclear weapons are assured of catastrophic destruction if they engage in a nuclear conflict. The idea is that the fear of mutually devastating consequences prevents aggression and maintains peace. 🌐🛡️
nation building
A policy to shore up countries economically
and democratically, thereby making them less likely to
collapse or be taken over.
Nixon Doctrine (scaling back US military commitments)
Nixon’s policy, formulated with assistance
from Henry Kissinger, that restricted U.S. military
intervention abroad absent a threat to its vital national
interests. 1969: Nixon Doctrine The Nixon Doctrine applied a more pragmatic approach to foreign policy and détente with major powers. It emphasized that the U.S. would support its allies, however, moderately.
détente
A reduction of tensions. This term is particularly used
to refer to a reduction of tensions between the United
States and the Soviet Union in the early 1970s during the
Nixon administration.
peace through strength
Reagan’s policy of combating communism by building up the military, including aggressive development of new weapons systems. (20)
SDI (Strategic Defense Initiative)
The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), also known as “Star Wars,” was a proposed U.S. strategic defense system against potential nuclear attacks. President Ronald Reagan introduced it in 1983. The goal was to intercept and destroy Soviet intercontinental ballistic missiles using advanced technology, including space- and earth-based laser battle stations. Ultimately, SDI aimed to create a space-based shield rendering nuclear missiles obsolete¹². 🌐🛡️
enlargement and engagement
Clinton’s policy, following
the collapse of communism, of increasing the spread of
market economies and increasing the U.S. role in global
affairs.
preemptive action/Bush Doctrine
2002: Bush Doctrine The doctrine significantly reshaped U.S. foreign policy in the shadows of 9/11. It advocated for preemptive strikes against potential threats and spreading democracy. The policy of acting against a nation or
group that poses a severe threat to the United States
before waiting for the threat to occur; sometimes called
the ‘‘Bush doctrine.’’
UNO (United Nations Organization)
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945. It provides a forum for its members to express their views and take action on major global issues, including peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, human rights, and gender equality¹². With 193 member states, the UN aims to maintain international peace, promote cooperation, and serve as a center for harmonizing nations’ actions¹. 🌐🌍🕊️
War on Terror
The War on Terror, officially known as the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), began after the September 11, 2001 attacks. It’s a global military campaign led by the United States, targeting militant Islamist movements like Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and their allies12. This multifaceted effort involves major wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, covert operations, intelligence gathering, and diplomatic coalition-building. It significantly impacted international relations, security, human rights, and governance. 🌐🛡️
foreign policy
The general plan followed by a nation in
defending and advancing its national interests, especially its security against foreign threats
global policy
Like foreign policy, it is a plan for defending
and advancing national interests, but—unlike foreign
policy—it includes social and environmental concerns
among national interests.
investment
An investment is an asset or item acquired with the hope that it will generate income or appreciate over time. It involves using capital in the present to increase an asset’s value in the future. Common forms of investment include stocks, bonds, real estate, index funds, and cryptocurrencies.
trade
Trade refers to the transfer of goods and services from one person or entity to another, often in exchange for money. It involves voluntary exchanges and negotiation through mediums like credit or money. Trade is essential for economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and global development.
human rights
Human rights are inherent to all individuals, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, or other status. These universal rights range from the fundamental right to life to those that enhance our quality of life, such as the right to food, education, work, health, and liberty. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, outlines these fundamental rights and continues to be the foundation of international human rights law.
poverty
Poverty refers to the state in which people or communities lack the financial resources and essentials for a minimum standard of living. Those living in poverty may struggle with inadequate housing, clean water, healthy food, and medical attention. It is both an individual concern and a broader social problem, affecting economic growth, education, public health, and more.
foreign aid
Foreign aid encompasses any assistance voluntarily transferred from one country to another. It can take various forms, including capital, food, supplies, humanitarian aid, and military assistance. Developed nations often provide aid to developing countries after natural disasters, during conflicts, or economic crises. The United Nations encourages advanced countries to allocate at least 0.7% of their gross national income to international aid.
public policy
A general plan of action adopted by the government to solve a social problem, counter a threat, or
pursue an objective.
interest groups
An organized group of individuals that seeks
to influence public policy. Also called a lobby.
Constitutional powers of the President in foreign policy making
Commander in Chief, diplomatic recognition, funding decisions, emergency situations*
Constitutional powers of Congress in foreign policy making
regulates foreign commerce, declares war, maintains navy, appropiates gvmt funds, approve treaties, and confirm ambassadorial and cabinet nominees
executive agreements
A pact between the heads of two
countries
proclamation
An official declaration or statement of action
or recognition.
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was a trade pact signed in 1992 among Canada, Mexico, and the United States. It gradually eliminated most tariffs and other trade barriers, creating a free-trade bloc among the three largest North American countries12. 🌎🌐
War Powers Resolution of 1973
A federal law designed to check the U.S. president’s authority to commit the United States to armed conflicts without congressional consent. The president can deploy U.S. Armed Forces abroad only through: Declaration of War by Congress, Statutory Authorization, National Emergency due to an attack on the U.S., its territories, or armed forces. The president must notify Congress within 48 hours. Armed forces cannot remain deployed for more than 60 days, with an additional 30-day withdrawal period, without congressional authorization or a declaration of war.
The National Security Act of 1947
U.S. law that restructured the government’s military and intelligence agencies after World War II. Merged the former Department of War and Navy Department into the Department of Defense. Ensured better supervision of U.S. military forces by establishing a direct line of command for all military services. National Security Council (NSC): A key body for formulating and implementing foreign policy. Office of the Secretary of Defense: Oversees the nation’s military operations. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Department of State
- an executive department of the U.S. federal government responsible for the country’s foreign policy and relations.
- key duties include advising the U.S. president on international relations, managing diplomatic missions, negotiating treaties, and representing the U.S. at the United Nations.
- The secretary of state, akin to a foreign minister, serves as the chief diplomat and representative abroad.
Secretary of State
the head of the State Department and serves as the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. Appointed by the President with Senate consent, their responsibilities include conducting negotiations related to U.S. foreign affairs, granting passports to American citizens, advising on diplomatic appointments, and ensuring the protection of U.S. interests abroad. Also supervises Foreign Service.
Antony Blinken
political appointees
individuals who are appointed by elected officials to work in government agencies, departments, or embassies. Unlike career government employees, political appointees are chosen based on their political affiliation and loyalty to the party in power
foreign service officers
are commissioned members of the United States Foreign Service. Their mission is to promote peace, support prosperity, and protect American citizens while advancing U.S. interests abroad. FSOs receive specialized training in diplomacy and foreign policy, and they are often posted to embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic missions around the world.
Department of Defense/Pentagon
- ## headquarters in Virginia
Secretary of Defense
- Lloyd Austin
- serves as the principal advisor to the President on defense matters.
- formulating defense policy, managing military resources, overseeing military operations, and coordinating with other government agencies
Joint Chiefs of Staff
- is a body of the most senior uniformed leaders within the United States Department of Defense. Their role is to advise the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, and the National Security Council on military matter
- Chairman, Vice Chairman, Chiefs of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force
- Chief of the National Command Bureau, no operational comand authority
National Security Council
The National Security Council (NSC) in the United States serves as the President’s principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters. Since its inception under President Truman, the NSC’s function has been to advise and assist the President while coordinating national security issues among government agencies1. The NSC is chaired by the President and includes regular attendees such as the Vice President, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and other key officials. It facilitates coordination between domestic and foreign policy, addressing critical issues like homeland security, global health, economics, and climate change
Intelligence Community
Sixteen agencies in the executive
branch that conduct the various intelligence activities that make up the total U.S. national intelligence effort.
1947: Truman Doctrine
The Doctrine initiated a policy focusing on containment in order to prevent the spread of communism which established the U.S. as a significant global force in the Cold War.
