US history 3 Flashcards
(104 cards)
isolationism/Monroe Doctrine
A foreign policy of withdrawal from international affairs. President James Monroe’s message to the Congress cautioned against European interference in the Western Hemisphere, as European intervention posed threats on American interests. The doctrine established a policy of regionalism and isolationism from European affairs. (1823)
Cold War
A prolonged period of adversarial relations
between the two superpowers, the United States and the
Soviet Union. During the Cold War, which lasted from
the late 1940s to the late 1980s, many crises and confrontations brought the super-powers to the brink of
war, but they avoided direct military conflict with each
other.
containment/Truman Doctrine
The basic U.S. policy toward the Soviet Union
during the Cold War, according to which the Soviets
were to be contained within existing boundaries by
military, diplomatic, and economic means, in the
expectation that the Soviet system would decay and
disintegrate. 1947: Truman Doctrine The Doctrine initiated a policy focusing on containment in order to prevent the spread of communism which established the U.S. as a significant global force in the Cold War.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
An organization
including nations of Western Europe, the United States,
and Canada, created in 1949 to defend against Soviet
expansionism.
nuclear deterrence
Nuclear deterrence is a military strategy where one power uses the threat of retaliation to prevent an attack from an adversary. Specifically, in the context of nuclear weapons, it involves convincing potential aggressors that the risks and costs of their actions far outweigh any potential gains12. One key concept within nuclear deterrence is mutual assured destruction (MAD), which posits that both sides would suffer catastrophic consequences if they engaged in a nuclear conflict, leading to a stalemate that discourages aggression3. Essentially, it’s about maintaining peace through the fear of devastating consequences.
MAD (Mutual Assured Destruction)
Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) is a concept in nuclear deterrence where both sides possessing nuclear weapons are assured of catastrophic destruction if they engage in a nuclear conflict. The idea is that the fear of mutually devastating consequences prevents aggression and maintains peace. 🌐🛡️
nation building
A policy to shore up countries economically
and democratically, thereby making them less likely to
collapse or be taken over.
Nixon Doctrine (scaling back US military commitments)
Nixon’s policy, formulated with assistance
from Henry Kissinger, that restricted U.S. military
intervention abroad absent a threat to its vital national
interests. 1969: Nixon Doctrine The Nixon Doctrine applied a more pragmatic approach to foreign policy and détente with major powers. It emphasized that the U.S. would support its allies, however, moderately.
détente
A reduction of tensions. This term is particularly used
to refer to a reduction of tensions between the United
States and the Soviet Union in the early 1970s during the
Nixon administration.
peace through strength
Reagan’s policy of combating communism by building up the military, including aggressive development of new weapons systems. (20)
SDI (Strategic Defense Initiative)
The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), also known as “Star Wars,” was a proposed U.S. strategic defense system against potential nuclear attacks. President Ronald Reagan introduced it in 1983. The goal was to intercept and destroy Soviet intercontinental ballistic missiles using advanced technology, including space- and earth-based laser battle stations. Ultimately, SDI aimed to create a space-based shield rendering nuclear missiles obsolete¹². 🌐🛡️
enlargement and engagement
Clinton’s policy, following
the collapse of communism, of increasing the spread of
market economies and increasing the U.S. role in global
affairs.
preemptive action/Bush Doctrine
2002: Bush Doctrine The doctrine significantly reshaped U.S. foreign policy in the shadows of 9/11. It advocated for preemptive strikes against potential threats and spreading democracy. The policy of acting against a nation or
group that poses a severe threat to the United States
before waiting for the threat to occur; sometimes called
the ‘‘Bush doctrine.’’
UNO (United Nations Organization)
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945. It provides a forum for its members to express their views and take action on major global issues, including peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, human rights, and gender equality¹². With 193 member states, the UN aims to maintain international peace, promote cooperation, and serve as a center for harmonizing nations’ actions¹. 🌐🌍🕊️
War on Terror
The War on Terror, officially known as the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), began after the September 11, 2001 attacks. It’s a global military campaign led by the United States, targeting militant Islamist movements like Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and their allies12. This multifaceted effort involves major wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, covert operations, intelligence gathering, and diplomatic coalition-building. It significantly impacted international relations, security, human rights, and governance. 🌐🛡️
foreign policy
The general plan followed by a nation in
defending and advancing its national interests, especially its security against foreign threats
global policy
Like foreign policy, it is a plan for defending
and advancing national interests, but—unlike foreign
policy—it includes social and environmental concerns
among national interests.
investment
An investment is an asset or item acquired with the hope that it will generate income or appreciate over time. It involves using capital in the present to increase an asset’s value in the future. Common forms of investment include stocks, bonds, real estate, index funds, and cryptocurrencies.
trade
Trade refers to the transfer of goods and services from one person or entity to another, often in exchange for money. It involves voluntary exchanges and negotiation through mediums like credit or money. Trade is essential for economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and global development.
human rights
Human rights are inherent to all individuals, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, or other status. These universal rights range from the fundamental right to life to those that enhance our quality of life, such as the right to food, education, work, health, and liberty. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, outlines these fundamental rights and continues to be the foundation of international human rights law.
poverty
Poverty refers to the state in which people or communities lack the financial resources and essentials for a minimum standard of living. Those living in poverty may struggle with inadequate housing, clean water, healthy food, and medical attention. It is both an individual concern and a broader social problem, affecting economic growth, education, public health, and more.
foreign aid
Foreign aid encompasses any assistance voluntarily transferred from one country to another. It can take various forms, including capital, food, supplies, humanitarian aid, and military assistance. Developed nations often provide aid to developing countries after natural disasters, during conflicts, or economic crises. The United Nations encourages advanced countries to allocate at least 0.7% of their gross national income to international aid.
public policy
A general plan of action adopted by the government to solve a social problem, counter a threat, or
pursue an objective.
interest groups
An organized group of individuals that seeks
to influence public policy. Also called a lobby.
