Was there indeed something like an American “unipolar moment” in international affairs in the 1990s? What was meant by it and how did it influence the making of US foreign relations?

History by Geoffrey

Select ONE question from the questions below

and write research paper of c. 1800 words (plus/minus 10 per cent)
(the word lengths include end notes or footnotes but exclude the bibliography)

 

 

  1. President Theodore Roosevelt became known for his phrase “Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick.” What did he mean by it and analyze whether or not this was a successful foreign policy strategy.
  2. Was George F. Kennan’s “strategy of containment” as brilliant a policy for America’s foreign policy during the Cold War era as is often proclaimed?
  3. Was there indeed something like an American “unipolar moment” in international affairs in the 1990s? What was meant by it and how did it influence the making of US foreign relations?
  4. Is “hard power” or “soft power” more important for a country’s influence in global affairs? Please answer on the basis of a number of persuasive examples.
  5. While not approving of Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine, many countries in the global south but also among America’s allies have a certain understanding for Putin’s actions. Analyze and assess the reasons for this.
  6. “China is a serious ‘systemic rival’ but also a normal economic competitor and a partner on some questions for Europe.” Analyze and assess this statement by EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and compare it with the Biden administration’s policy toward China.