To what extent does the War on Terrorism represent a break with previous United States foreign and defense policy?
To determine the extent to which the War on Terrorism represents a break with previous United States foreign and defense policy, we need to analyze and compare the key elements of these policies before and after the war. Here are the steps you can take to explore this question further:
1. Research previous U.S. foreign and defense policy: Familiarize yourself with the major objectives, strategies, and approaches of U.S. foreign and defense policy before the War on Terrorism. Look into policies such as containment, deterrence, and engagement with allies, as well as the role of international organizations like the United Nations.
2. Study the events leading to the War on Terrorism: Understand the context and events that triggered the war. For example, investigate the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States and the subsequent response. Evaluate how these events may have influenced a shift in U.S. policy.
3. Compare objectives and focus: Assess the goals of previous policies and the War on Terrorism. Consider whether there was continuity or a significant departure in terms of the primary objectives. For example, previous policies might have focused on superpower competition, whereas the War on Terrorism targeted non-state actors and rogue states.
4. Analyze strategies and approaches: Evaluate the strategies and approaches used in previous policies and the War on Terrorism. Compare elements such as military intervention, intelligence cooperation, diplomacy, and the use of force. Determine if there were notable differences in how these strategies were applied.
5. Examine alliances and international cooperation: Consider the impact of the War on Terrorism on U.S. alliances and international cooperation. Look at how these relationships changed, for example, in terms of intelligence sharing, military cooperation, and diplomatic engagement.
6. Evaluate long-term policy changes: Assess whether the War on Terrorism resulted in lasting changes to U.S. foreign and defense policy beyond the immediate post-9/11 period. Look for evidence of continuity or if subsequent administrations maintained or modified the new policies.
By following these steps and conducting thorough research on U.S. foreign and defense policy before and after the War on Terrorism, you can evaluate the extent to which it represents a break with previous policies. Remember to consider various perspectives and sources to obtain a comprehensive understanding.