The American policing role has been exercised primarily to protect vulnerable people and nations from powerful oppressors as well as prevent regional chaos. America’s goals, however noble, may sometimes have some certain aspects that serve to protect selfish interests for the nation. The policing has some good as well as bad outcomes which pours cold water on America’s ability to achieve a lasting peace in the world that was in the first place, the main objective of this initiative.
The Eisenhower administration, coined the strategy of massive retaliation (Secretary Dulles' Strategy of Massive Retaliation, 1954) in a bid to tame the rising threats of communists aggressors. The main aim was to ensure that in the event of an attack from any communist aggressor, the retaliation will be one that is catastrophic and unbearable to the oppressor. However, the administration took this as a short-term solution and actively sought for a solution that will deter the aggressor instead of giving them the initiative and the freedom to choose when to attack. As result, a solution was arrived that incorporated several nations who would work together to ensure that in the event of an enemy attack on any of the nations, there would be grave consequences and that all the other nations will respond viciously to the attackers. The smaller nations in this pact would be assured of their safety from aggressors and thereby ensuring world peace.
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Ronald Reagan, from his remarks at the Annual Convention of the National Association of Evangelicals in Orlando in 1983 advocated for peace in the world from a position of strength. He sought to reduce nuclear weapons in the world without having to compromise on the security of the American dream. Furthermore, he argued that only this way can the reduction of nuclear weapons in various nations be verifiable and the communists aggressors be kept at bay.
Reagan was right, considerable nuclear weapons reduction have been realized and America’s army has been very instrumental at achieving this feat.
George W. Bush, in his 1991 speech dubbed the “New World Order”, demonstrated the effectiveness of Eisenhower’s philosophy by the success of the operation desert storm that saw Kuwait emancipated from the claws of its oppressor Iran. Although, the operation also served to ensure America’s interest in oil were met, the collaboration with different countries to ensure the small nation of Kuwait was freed, served as warning to any other nations with the intentions of illegally occupying another nation. This demonstration has been vital in maintaining world peace and ensuring economic growth for developing nations.
In the recent past, United States’ intervention in the war-torn Somalia in collaboration with countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia has seen the nation significantly improve and grow economically despite the various bouts of attacks that may still occur within the nation. The policing role of the US has put the nation on a path of self-recovery as they sought for lasting peace. In so doing, it has helped eliminate any cases of terrorism in the neighboring countries as a result of the terrorist group ‘Alshabab’ from the nation. Once again contributing to world peace and safety.
These past actions made by previous regimes have impacted the lives of Americans by ensuring that the risk of lack of energy and in particular, oil, is mitigated and that the economy can continue to grow and flourish. Americans, though not effectively, are protected from insurgent and terrorist cells and therefore ensuring that the nation is safe and sound for its people.
References
Schultz, Kevin M. (2018). HIST5: Volume 2: U.S. History Since 1865 (Student edition). Boston: Cengage.
Bush, G. H. W. (1991, March 6). Address before a Joint Session of the Congress on the Cessation of the Persian Gulf Conflict. Retrieved from http://college.cengage.com/history/wadsworth_9781133309888/unprotected/ps/bushnwo.html
Dulles, J. F. (1954, Jan. 12). Secretary Dulles’ Strategy of Massive Retaliation. Department of State Bulletin, XXX, 107-110. Retrieved from http://college.cengage.com/history/wadsworth_9781133309888/unprotected/ps/dulles.html
Powell, C. (2003, Feb. 6). Transcript of Powells’ UN presentation. CNN.com. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/02/05/sprj.irq.powell.transcript/
