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How Did The Cold War Influence Us Foreign Policy

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The United States has undergone numerous transformations in its foreign policy since the end of World War II, largely driven by evolving national security concerns. From the Truman Doctrine and the Cold War to the aftermath of the Cold War and the rise of global terrorism, the pursuit of national security has been a primary catalyst for geopolitical shifts. This essay will evaluate the extent to which growing concerns about national security influenced United States foreign policy from 1945 to 1991. The end of World War II ushered in an era characterized by mistrust and fear between the United States and the Soviet Union, which emerged as the two superpowers. The Truman Doctrine, proclaimed in 1947, articulated the United States' commitment to containing the spread of communism. This policy, influenced by the 'domino theory' that the fall of one country to communism would lead to the subsequent fall of others, shaped American foreign policy for much of the Cold War. In response to the perceived threat of Soviet expansionism, the United States adopted a strategy of military alliances and interventions. The formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1949 was a key step in creating a collective security system against the Soviet Union. Additionally, the United States engaged in numerous military …show more content…

The protracted conflict and its disastrous outcome led to a reassessment of the United States' global role. In the aftermath of the war, the United States shifted towards a more cautious approach, emphasizing breakthrough and arms control agreements with the Soviet Union. Détente, a French term meaning'relaxation,' characterized a period of reduced tensions between the superpowers. The Strategic Arms Limitation Treaties (SALT I and SALT II) and the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty were notable examples of arms control agreements aimed at limiting the nuclear arms

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