Foreign Policy

The Monroe Doctrine set a standard for US foreign policies that’s core values are still being followed by today. In modern times, three concepts have been widely accepted and adopted in American government. These concepts include non-intervention, non-colonization and separate spheres of influence. These concepts are commonly known as the three lasting principles, and while modern America may not adopt all three, a majority of these concepts are still worked into modern foreign policies.

ISIS or ISIL are an extremist Islamic terrorist organization with substantial control of Iraq and the Levant, a region in the Middle East consisting of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Israel. ISIS has gained worldwide attention as multiple terrorist attacks beginning in the summer of this year have made the group a serious threat. A New York Times article entitled, “The Slippery Slope Begins” discusses the potential change in foreign policies aimed at ISIS. President Obama has stated that he does not want to deploy US ground troops in ISIS territory, but is committed to stopping the organization. This decision may have been influenced by the recent withdrawal of troops from Iraq. However, General Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has different views. HE believes that, if need be, troops should be deployed to aid Iraqi forces in eliminating ISIS forces. The article states that although President Obama does not appear to be changing his policies for ISIS, General Dempsey’s suggestion of military action make it all the more important that congress vote rationally on handling ISIS.

If the United States were to follow all three of the lasting principles, all of their current policies would stay the same. The concept of separate spheres of influence indicates that the US should stay out of ISIS territory, and that ISIS should stay out of the US. Currently, this is what is happening, as President Obama does not one to deploy forces into ISIS ground. The concept of non-colonization indicates that the US should not take political power or dominance over ISIS or the region that they control. The concept of non-intervention indicates that the US should not intervene in ISIS affairs unless they are directly affected. The US also currently follows these standards as they are not making an effort to control the ISIS situation.

Although almost being 200 years old, the Monroe Doctrine still seems to have modern day implications. The three lasting principles have been essential building blocks to the United States’ foreign policies. This shows just how important  and influential the Monroe Doctrine is, whether it’s assistance is needed in the 19th century, or in modern times.

"The Slippery Slope Begins." The New York Times. The New York Times, 16 Sept. 2014. Web. 4 Dec. 2014. <http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/17/opinion/is-us-policy-on-fighting-isis-already-changing.html>.

Unification by Identity

In history race and identity have played a major role in society. Even in modern times race and identity have influenced politics and nations greatly. This blog post will address two situations, in the past and the present in which race and identity have had a major presence in society.

The revolutions of Gran Colombia proved that a wide diversity of people can band together and fight in unity as one nation. Simon Bolivar was Venezuelan by birth and was a key leader in the liberation of Gran Colombia. Originally, Gran Colombia was entirely controlled by the Spanish. Bolivar gained support by his belief that all of the revolutionaries were all united by being South American, despite coming from different ethnicities or races. The push for independence is Bolivar leading a revolt into Caracas, losing and regaining control of the capital city several times. During this endeavor, the Manifesto de Cartagena is authored, further strengthening the South American commonality among the rebels, and the end goal of driving Spain out of Gran Colombia. Eventually, Bolivar gives up on securing Caracas and instead devises a surprise attack on Bogota. After crossing the Orinoco River and traversing the Andes Mountains, Bolivar;s troops fall upon unsuspecting Spanish forces. On August 7, 1819, a victory in Boyaca grants Bolivar control of Bogotá.  Soon after, the Republica de Colombia is formed. A few crucial victories expand the Republica de Colombia into modern day Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela. Bolivar was able to lead these successful revolts because he was able to gain such a strong following. He united people not based on their race, but as their similar nationality as a South American. This is what enabled Bolivar to lead a dominant and successful revolt against the Spanish, and form the Republica de Colombia.

Whether its constant coverage may cause people to grow weary at it’s mentioning, it is without a doubt that the incidents in Ferguson Missouri show how in modern times race can influence a nation. Yamiche Alcindor, author for USA Today, wrote an article entitled “Ferguson Struggles to Grasp why Protests Turned Violent.” Protests and outrage came from Ferguson Missouri after Officer Darren Wilson shot and killed a young Michael Brown, presumed to be a case of racial profiling. These protest turned violent after Wilson was not indicted for his actions. The African American community has used the death of Michael Brown to advocate for equality among the races, whether it be by peaceful or violent means. The protests are not limited to Ferguson, as towns and cities nationwide are advocating for racial equality. However, and Ferguson, once peaceful protests have turned destructive, as businesses are being burned and looted, and police forces are battling violent protesters. I personally believe that while racism is widely discouraged in America, there seems to be invisible racial divides that are not often recognized. I would assume that a majority of the African American community would immediately be on the side of Michael Brown just because of their ethnicity, just as supporters of Darren Wilson would be primarily white. Without any racial influence, I believe that Darren Wilson should not have been indicted, but I also believe that Michael Brown should not have been killed. And I in no way support violent protesting. Different races have different biases which may lead to drastic actions, such as the killing of Michael Brown, or peaceful protests turned violent.

In both Gran Colombia and Ferguson, it is clear that race and identity have heavily impacted society. Race and identity will always be relevant in society, and should not be discouraged our ignored.

Alcindor, Yamiche. "Ferguson Struggles to Grasp Why Protests Turned Violent." USA Today. Gannett, 1 Dec. 2014. Web. 3 Dec. 2014.