In the wake of the temporary partitioning of Vietnam at the Geneva Conference of 1954, the Dwight D. Eisenhower administration was determined to do what it could to ensure that South Vietnam remained out of the hands of Communists. Eisenhower suggested in a 1954 speech that if the Communists wer...

In the system of international politics almost everything is strategic. Even the most basic analysis of international historical events can seem like decoding the rules to a complex board game. This is most evident when analyzing grand wars, such as WWI and WWII. Although states and state leaders ma...

Communism in Eastern Europe was a tragedy. It did do well in Eastern Europe for quite a while, however, it was doomed to failure. Communism was condemned due to lack of support from other nations, condemned due to the lack of an efficient solution to the economical failure, and condemned due to the ...

In his book Nils Gilman speaks about the many theories that defined modernism and modernization during the twentieth century. Those theories refer mainly to the American pint of view and their concept of situations, compared to other countries that were, at that time, less developed. The theory of ...

Introduction Geopolitics is the applied study of the relationships of geographical space to politics. Geopolitics, therefore, concerned with the reciprocal impact of spatial patterns, features, and structures and political ideas, institutions, and transactions. The term 'Geopolitics' has origi...

After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union were the only two superpowers that remained. This post World War period was referred to as the "Cold War". Throughout World War I and II period an "anti-balance" of power system developed worldwide. As no single superpowers emerged, many...

Deterrence is a theory of International relations based in Realism. Essentially, it tries to explain the situation of when two or more states threaten retaliation if attacked, in order to deter the attack. It is therefore possible to very simply state deterrence as "You hit me, I hit you." For t...

The theory of government does not always match the realities of the exercise of power. America's leaders today are fond of reminding us all – American and foreign citizens alike – that the United States is the world's greatest democracy. By "greatest," of course, th...

Many young people today are learning about their world through electronic means – radio, television, video movies, computer games, virtual reality games and the Internet. In particular the visual environment of the electronic media is greatly attracting the print media in all its forms. How ...

After WWII, things weren't looking too good in terms of communism. Many countries and nations were beginning to point in the direction of it while Marxism started to become a widespread philosophy throughout Europe. Even though the United States began to lose in Vietnam, they were able to k...

Cuba: The Plight of a Nation and its Revolution While the isle of Cuba was initially discovered on October 27, 1492 during one of Columbus' first voyages, it wasn't actually claimed by Spain until the sixteenth century. However, it's tumultuous beginnings as a Spanish sugar colony provides an...

The shocking fall of communism in Eastern and Central Europe in the late eighties was remarkable for both its rapidity and its scope. None more than for East and West Germany. "The unification of Germany has been one of the most significant and moving events of the 20th century. Yet the ...

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 was a pivotal political event of the 20th century that signaled the eclipse of a major political and economic ideology of the 20th century, i.e., Communism, and left the United States as the sole and unchallenged superpower in the world. Most political analys...

The government, whether we think about it or not, plays a very significant role in all of our lives regardless of our ethnic background. Though there are many differing forms of government, they affect our lives in the same way. Changes in how the government works slowly begin to effect how we car...

History has shown that strong individuals and revolutionary ideas can have a major impact on a country. Leaders are often driven by what they perceive as a desire to create a more perfect country. Frequently their egos and methods sway them from the realization of the ideals they set out to achi...

During the Cold War, the United States of America was determined to act as the superior nation in the world. They believed that every country was inferior to them in regards to military power, economic stability and moral beliefs. After the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy, the Vice...

Thesis: The "Red Scare" of the 1950's caused a massive movement for the people of that time period. I. Introduction II. The Basis of Communisim A. Communisim: Defined B. Political Aspects 1. Communist associations 2.Communist fears C. Physical Aspects 1. Incidents 2. Black...

How does Hedley Bull's conclusions on the pluralist/solidarist debate help us understand the issue of human rights during the Cold War? Hedley Bull's conclusions on the pluralist and solidarist debate helps are understanding of human rights issues in the Cold War in terms of why the USA...

The Anglo-Russian "cold war" of the 19th Century and the US-Soviet "cold war" of the 20th Century were both conflicts over differences concerning the spread of communism. England's objective in the Anglo-Russian conflict was containment, the idea that England wanted ...

The Cold War was already underway during World War II, we the United States were always worried about what the Russians next move would be. They had violated many agreements that they made with America. America was in great fear of the expansion of the Communist Party in parts of Europe and othe...

The Cold War was an extremely long war that last from 1945 until 1990. It did not clearly start until 1945, but strained relations remained between the United States and the Soviet Union since 1917. The ending of WWII and the struggle between Communism and Capitalism, led to this unique war. This...

Ever since nuclear weapons of mass destruction have existed, people have been attempting to create ways to prevent a war that would bring about a worldwide Arma-geddon. Many of today's top military and government officials have been studying ways in which the United States can protect itself ...

Ever since nuclear weapons of mass destruction have existed, people have been attempting to create ways to prevent a war that would bring about a worldwide Arma-geddon. Many of today's top military and government officials have been studying ways in which the United States can protect itself...

A country's foreign policy is only partly the result of decisions made by its government: it is mainly imposed by circumstances. Introduction Australia, during the last fifty years, has been a country unsure of its place in the world. She has been bouncing from ally to ally, beg...

Preface: How has the ninth edition been updated? In this updated edition, certain chapters have in added in light of the attacks of September 11, 2001. There was a chapter added on the foreign policies of Clinton and Yelstin-Putin also, an introduction to the beginnings of George W. Bush's...