U.S. foreign policy - Essay Example

The United States foreign policies have always been considered controversial – whether they are viewed as an American or as a foreigner. These policies have primarily been based on American and democratic interests being pursued beyond American shores.This expansion was also meant to empower its competition with the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union, countries which were, at that time, considered to be more influential and more financially stable nations than the US.These policies were first laid out in the post World War II period as the country was starting to expand and flex its powers beyond its shores.

The Second World War actually served as an equalizer for the US because much of Europe was in ruins as a result of years of fighting Germany. The US was able to gain strength and power politically and economically after WWII and it was also starting to voice its opinions and positions on the different international issues impacting on the global community. To some extent, in the 1950s and 1960s, the US was able to gain much progress in this regard. However, its actions in Korea, Vietnam, and in the Middle East were soon viewed with much cynicism and contempt by the countries affected and by other international watchers and international groups.

In short, its actions were viewed as imperialistic and enterprising. For which reason protests and expressions of contempt and dislike for American policies were seen in different countries around the globe. However, it was also viewed with favor by other countries for its commitment to democracy and to freedom. Nevertheless, a closer scrutiny of the US policies in relation to different countries and regions of the world have prompted the surfacing of issues which have impacted much on the economy and the politics of these countries.

In the Middle East for example, US interests in its oil products are considered a major consideration for American presence in the region. In turn, their presence has created much conflict among the people who see the US as nothing more than an enterprising nation. They object to the presence of American troops in the region, ostensibly sent to maintain peace and order, but to the locals, form part of America’s engine and plan for control over trade and political mandates and activities. In Asia, its presence in the region has been met with mixed reactions.

Some countries consider it a “savior” a “hero” who has rescued them from Japanese rule. However, in some isolated groups in these very same countries, they are also considered to be opportunists who are seeking to use their natural resources for their economic ends. They are seen as a country which seeks to lessen tariff rates for their personal benefit and for the detriment of these Asian economies. In effect, the US policies are not welcomed with open arms, nor are they completely shunned – for even with these negative mutterings, these countries still know that the US is the most powerful country in the world.

With these scenarios, it is easy to see that the US foreign policies are filled with various angles for discussion which make for enriching knowledge in the field of economy and politics. These policies express the dominance of America in almost all international endeavors, including such endeavors in ensuring worldwide peace and freedom for all. Even as other nations do not share in its goals, the US seems to persist in its goals through its troop presence in the Middle East and in other countries which manifest with civil and political unrest.

This paper shall now seek to discuss the US foreign policies in relation to the major events in the past years including the September 11 attacks, the Gulf Wars, and its War against Terror. These are subject matters which have borne much impact to the current status of US politics. This study is being conducted in order to establish a more academic understanding of the issues in relation to the US foreign policies. The Attacks of 9/11 Background The September 11 at