United States and the World 4219-AW005-AM

This lecture entitled “United States in the World” should deliver to the attendees the basic knowledge on changing role of the US in the globe: from isolationism and defense posture in the face of prospective European power’s intervention on American territory at the beginning of its independence up to the position of leader influencing world’s politics and economy with dynamic and attractive culture.
The American input to the world economy and politics will be presented in chronological order, beginning with the end of 18 c. We will kick off with formation of the American statehood, defense, and expansion of its territory through negotiations, purchases, and wars of conquest. We will move then to the president James Monroe’s famous doctrine of 1823 – the one which shaped the US foreign policy for almost two centuries.
The war with Spain of 1898 will begin the period of aggressive and imperial policy of the US called “big stick” and “dollar” diplomacy, with direct American engagement in the rivalry of European powers. Ended with Great Depression and proximity of world war 2, US presidents Herbert Hoover and Franklin Delano Roosevelt have forged new strategy which led to more friendly and less aggressive policy. It brought Good Neighbor Policy towards Latin America and closer co-operation with Great Britain.
Finally, we will move to post-war new US posture towards its western allies and – before all - the communist bloc. UN diplomacy, Marshall Plan and NATO formed the backbone of US foreign policy in those times. During our classes I plan to follow current issues: war in Ukraine, rivalry with China, trial of strength in Middle East.