10717 The United States in the International Arena Since 1945

Credits: 6 intermediate credits in International Relations

Prerequisite: Introduction to International Relations

Author: Avraham Ben-Zvi

The course analyzes the foundations, trends, strategies and major developments in US foreign policy between 1945 and 2005. This 60-year period of American diplomacy and strategy begins when the US became a major power and until its establishment as the single hegemonic superpower in the international arena in the early 21st century.

The course presents an integration of approaches, schools of thought and interpretations, combined with a historical-chronological analysis of the shaping of US policy in its global and Middle-Eastern aspects. It reviews and analyzes critical decisions in the history of the United States.

Topics: The roots of the Cold War; President Truman and the beginning of the Cold War; The Korean War; Presidents Kennedy and Johnson and the doctrine of flexible response; President Nixon, Kissinger and the strategy of detente; President Carter and the return to the Cold War; Presidents Reagan and Bush and the end of the Cold War; President Clinton and the new world order; The presidency of George W. Bush, 9/11 and the path to the War in Iraq.