MOD 11: GOV 312L: US Foreign Policy - Key Concepts Review

A set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to U.S. foreign policy and the dynamics of great powers.

What is a great power? What characteristics help differentiate them from other states?

Great powers are states with significant global influence and resources. They have large populations, extensive territory, strong economies, advanced militaries, and global interests extending beyond their borders.

How do great powers structure international politics after great power wars like WWI and WWII?

Great powers reshape global politics by creating new rules, institutions, and boundaries through peace settlements. Victors write the rules, define membership, promote regime types (like democracy), and set enforcement mechanisms for stability.

What were the main pillars of the peace settlement after WWI? How did President Wilson influence the system in 1919?

The 1919 Versailles Settlement emphasized national self-determination, democracy, and collective security via the League of Nations. President Woodrow Wilson’s ideas promoted anti-imperialism and a global democratic order.

What were the main elements of the peace settlement after WWII and how did the U.S. influence it after 1945?

The U.S. (under FDR and Truman) promoted democracy, nation-building in Germany and Japan, collective security through NATO, and global economic institutions (UN, IMF, GATT, World Bank). The Bretton Woods system supported globalization.

What is polarity? What are the differences between unipolar, bipolar, and multipolar divisions of power?

Polarity refers to the distribution of capabilities among great powers. Unipolarity: One dominant power (U.S. after 1991). Bipolarity: Two powers dominate (U.S. vs. USSR during Cold War). Multipolarity: Several great powers share influence (pre–WWI, post-2008).

How did bipolarity affect U.S.–Soviet competition during the Cold War?

Bipolarity stabilized alliances and prevented direct war through nuclear deterrence. The U.S. and USSR competed ideologically (capitalism vs. communism) using containment, proxy wars, and economic influence instead of direct conflict.

What explains the absence of great power war since the mid-20th century?

Economic interdependence: Globalization reduces need for conquest. Nuclear deterrence: Second-strike capability prevents invasion. Unipolarity: U.S. dominance reduces incentives to challenge the system.

Great Powers

A subset of states in the international system with significant global influence and resources.

Characteristics of Great Powers

Large population, extensive territory, large economy, and superior military capabilities.

Global Interests

Great powers pursue interests beyond their immediate borders.

Peace Settlements

Agreements after major wars that reset the global political order and define new rules.

Examples of Major Peace Settlements

1815 (Napoleonic Wars), 1919 (WWI), 1945 (WWII), 1990 (End of Cold War).

Victors Write the Rules

The winning great powers decide the structure, rules, and membership of the new international system.

Membership Requirements

Determined by victors; can include regime type, sovereignty recognition, and territorial boundaries.

Regime Promotion

After major wars, the U.S. promotes democracy (1919, 1945, 1991).

Distribution of Military Power

Decided in postwar settlements to maintain balance and prevent future wars.

Enforcement Mechanisms

Tools like reparations or collective security organizations (e.g., League of Nations).

League of Nations

Post–WWI organization designed for collective security; ultimately ineffective.

Wilson’s Fourteen Points

U.S. plan promoting democracy, anti-imperialism, and national self-determination.

Versailles Settlement (1919)

Established new states and anti-imperialist ideas but failed to prevent WWII.

Truman and FDR

U.S. presidents who shaped post–WWII order emphasizing democracy and rebuilding Europe.

Marshall Plan

U.S. aid program for European economic recovery after WWII.

NATO

Military alliance formed in 1949 for collective security among Western nations.

United Nations (UN)

International organization founded in 1945 for global cooperation and peace.

IMF (International Monetary Fund)

Created to stabilize currencies and promote global economic growth.

World Bank

Provides loans and development aid to rebuild and strengthen economies.

GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade)

Precursor to the WTO; aimed to promote free trade.

Bretton Woods System

Established postwar economic order to support globalization and free markets.

Polarity

The distribution of power among great powers in the international system.

Unipolarity

One dominant power; U.S. after 1991 exemplified this.

Bipolarity

Two dominant powers; U.S. and USSR during the Cold War.

Multipolarity

Several great powers share influence; pre–WWI or post-2008 world order.

Cold War Rivalry

Ideological competition between democratic capitalism (U.S.) and authoritarian communism (USSR).

Nuclear Deterrence

Strategy preventing direct war due to risk of mutual destruction.

Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD)

Concept that both sides would face total annihilation in nuclear conflict.

Containment Policy

U.S. strategy to limit Soviet influence without direct warfare.

George Kennan

U.S. diplomat who argued for containment to pressure Soviet moderation.

Proxy Wars

Indirect conflicts during the Cold War (e.g., Vietnam, Korea).

End of Cold War (1990)

Soviet collapse ended bipolarity; U.S. became sole superpower.

American-Led Order

Post-1945 global system based on democracy, capitalism, and international institutions.

Economic Interdependence

Global trade reduces need for territorial expansion; promotes peace.

Globalization

Worldwide economic and cultural integration making war less beneficial.

Second-Strike Capability

Ability to retaliate after nuclear attack; key to deterrence stability.

Frozen Boundaries

Great powers avoid direct conquest, keeping existing borders stable.

Unipolar Era (1991–2010)

Period of U.S. military dominance discouraging great power rivalry.

Sources of Great Power Peace

Economic interdependence, nuclear deterrence, and U.S. unipolarity.

Ukraine Conflict (2020s)

Raises questions about the endurance of the U.S.-led order.