Current Events and U.S. Diplomacy

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nStep 1

nA doctrine is an ideological platform that a president utilizes to enhance the U.S foreign policies goals toward a country or a region. A president announces a doctrine in order to advance the stances, goals or attitudes of United States (Bostdorff, 2008). Therefore, a presidential doctrine guides the president in foreign policy. In addition, the doctrine reflect the Americans roles in global agenda and what their stand for.

nThe Truman doctrine in 1947 explained that United States would support free people who are resisting outside armed attack from dictatorial governments (Toropov, 2000). The doctrine was directed at Soviet Unions expansion into Eastern Europe especially in Greece and Turkey (Jones, 2009). President Harry Truman noted that U.S would support Turkey and Greece with military and economic aid to stop the spread of communism agenda in their countries.

nStep 2

nPrior to announcement of the doctrine, hostile relationship existed between Soviet and U.S. leaders during World War I after Soviet Union pulled out of the war. In 1920s, United States embarked in famine relief programs in Soviet Union (Jones, 2009). The two countries established economic ties in 1920s through New Economic Policy (1921-29). However, both countries did not establish diplomatic ties until 1933. There were no friendly relationships between the nations due to dictatorial nature of soviet leader Joseph Stalin (Bostdorff, 2008). Fortunately, United States cooperated with USSR in World War II as allied powers based on a common aim to defeat Nazi Germany. However, United States supplied huge material support to USSR in form of ships, weapons and food.

nFollowing the end of World War II, the two allied superpowers become enemies. This is because of conflicting political and economic ideologies as well as competition over influence of international community along these lines (Toropov, 2000). The period began in 1947 when United States decided to counter the spread of communism particularly in Eastern Europe. This sparked the beginning of cold war (Jones, 2009).

nStep 3

nThe doctrine had many consequences in the world since it was the basis of American Cold war policy across Europe and the rest of the world. It changed the U.S foreign policy towards USSR from friendship to a policy of containment of Soviet expansion (Toropov, 2000). Therefore, the announcing of Truman doctrine marked the starting of Cold War. Besides, the doctrine led to the Marshall plan where United States decided to help its western European allies economically (Jones, 2009). Furthermore, the congress agreed to send more than $ 400 million in Eastern Europe designed to end communism threats.

nIn addition, Truman doctrine helped Turkey and Greece to join NATO. This ensured that the two countries were guaranteed their protection from military alliance (Bostdorff, 2008). The Americans aid in Greece helped to defeat Greek Communist Party that was a guerrilla force backed by Soviet Union. In Turkey, the military aid from Americans ensured that Turkey retained the control of Dardanelles – a strategic passage between the Mediterranean and black sea (Jones, 2009). The containment policy provided emergency aid to keep countries from communist influence by creating strong ties with United States.

nStep 4

nAfter the end of cold war, Russia occupied the largest part in former Soviet Union. Today the relationship between United States and Russia has created new cooperation (Jones, 2009). The end of cold war provided an opportunity for Russian government and United States government to cooperate. Russia has occupied the full veto powers (permanent seat) at the United Nations Security Council that was previously held by Soviet Union (Bostdorff, 2008). Formerly, the Cold War had created tensions in the UN Security Council but the current cooperation have created rebirth in United Nations actions (Toropov, 2000). In addition, Russia is a member of G-8 after joining the G-7 gathering of countries with largest economic powers. United States and Russian government now cooperate in securing nuclear reactors in former USSR territory.

nHowever, there are areas where United States and Russian still conflicts (Jones, 2009). For instance, the U.S has attempted to initiate economic and political reforms in Russia but the Russian government resist because it believes that U.S is meddling in internal affairs. Further, United States has invited former USSR states to join NATO but the Russian government have resisted. The two nations have also clashed over the best strategies to settle the ultimate Kosovo status. Conflicts between the two counties have increased on how to address the efforts of Iran to acquire nuclear weapons (Jones, 2009). Most notably, the Russian military efforts in Georgia have re-introduced the rift in Russian-U.S relations.

nAfter the doctrine was announced, Soviet Union and U.S were involved in political, ideological and economic competition. This led to bitter superpower rivalry during the cold war period between these two counties and their allies (Bostdorff, 2008). The differences between the two countries barred them from achieving a mutual understanding on key global issues. For instance, both countries almost broke into war during the Cuban missile crisis. Additionally both countries were involved in missiles and nuclear arm race.

nStep 5

nThe Truman doctrine did not have intended effects of changing the behaviors of Soviet Union after it was announced. The doctrine threatened Soviet control of Eastern Europe hence it quickly consolidated the satellite countries and initiated a communist counterpart (Bostdorff, 2008). The soviets believed that the Americans violated the international laws through Marshal Plan because it interfered with political and economic affairs of these countries (Jones, 2009). The two nations split Europe into Eastern and Western Europe that they used to advance their ideologies.

nReferences

nBostdorff, D. (2008). Proclaiming the Truman Doctrine (1st ed.). College Station: Texas A & M University Press.

nJones, H. (2009). A New Kind of War (5th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press, USA.

nToropov, B. (2000). Encyclopedia of cold war politics (1st ed.). New York: Facts On File, Inc.