American Foreign Policy from Truman to Obama

Watch the video clip “American Foreign Policy from Truman to Obama,” and answer the question below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i596vp8aWgM&t

Which foreign policy style described by the author involves an all-out approach to problem solving involving military, political, and economic affairs?

Isolationism

Maximalism

Retrenchment

Cyclicalism

2. In terms of the influence of public opinion on foreign policy making, presidents tend to:

Follow closely the preferences of the public

Use the unpopularity of Congress to shield them from public criticism

Believe their policies will be unpopular

Take their time before engaging in action in order to cultivate support

3. How do maximalist and retrenchment modes vary in terms of their approach to soliciting advice. Provide some examples of presidents who fit each type.

4. According to the video, why was Lyndon Johnson hesitant to enter the conflict in Vietnam, and how did his strategy play out in the long term?

5. The author argues that presidential personality is an important part of understanding foreign policy. What was surprising to him about Ronald Reagan’s approach to foreign policy? Which “type” did he fit and why?

Select a president from the table, Presidents and Their Doctrines, in Roskin, Chapter 6. Then write a three to five (3-5) page paper on the doctrine that a president used according to Roskin. Your research must include at least four (4) credible sources, apart from your textbook. Your paper must address the following:

1. Summarize a situation that required U.S. diplomatic efforts during the president’s time in office.

2. Explicate the diplomatic doctrine the president followed, with reference to specific actions or events that occurred.

3. Describe the effects of these diplomatic efforts for the U.S. and other countries.

4. Assess, in conclusion, the advantages and disadvantages of the particular doctrine that was followed.

5. Cite at least four (4) reputable sources in addition to the textbook, not including Wikipedia, encyclopedias, or dictionaries.

Your assignment must:

· Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

Identify the cultural, economic, and political context of information resources, and interpret information in light of that context.

Use technology and information resources to research issues in international problems.

Write clearly and concisely about international problems using proper writing mechanics.