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>.