Wilsonianism, postwar national security, nuclear warfare and the Cold War,

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Assume the role of a policy adviser for President Jimmy Carter or the newly elected Ronald Reagan. Write a memo answering the question, “Why should the United States adopt a foreign policy attentive to international human rights?” – specifically referencing either Eastern Europe or the Third World (Asia, Africa, Latin America). Include an executive summary instead of an introductory paragraph, then write a persuasive essay using primary and secondary sources with attention to the political and security contexts of the era.

submit a short reflection paper on ONE of the following topics: Wilsonianism, postwar national security, nuclear warfare and the Cold War, or human rights.

 

 

Sample Solution

As a policy adviser to President Jimmy Carter, I strongly recommend that the United States adopt a foreign policy attentive to international human rights. Such a policy would be consistent with our nation’s values and interests, and it would help to promote peace and stability in the world.

Eastern Europe

The situation in Eastern Europe is a prime example of why the United States should adopt a human rights-centered foreign policy. The Soviet Union and its satellite states have a long and well-documented record of human rights abuses. These abuses include arbitrary detention, torture, and political executions.

The United States has a moral obligation to speak out against these abuses and to support the democratic aspirations of the people of Eastern Europe. A human rights-centered foreign policy would help to promote democracy and freedom in Eastern Europe, and it would make the region more stable and secure.

The Third World

The human rights situation in the Third World is also deeply troubling. Many countries in the region are governed by authoritarian regimes that have little regard for the rights of their citizens. These regimes often engage in widespread human rights abuses, such as arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings.

The United States has a strategic interest in promoting human rights in the Third World. Stable and democratic countries are less likely to be involved in conflict, and they are more likely to be partners in the fight against terrorism and other threats to U.S. security.

Primary and Secondary Sources

The following primary and secondary sources support the argument that the United States should adopt a human rights-centered foreign policy:

  • Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): This landmark document, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, sets out the basic human rights and fundamental freedoms to which all people are entitled.
  • Helsinki Accords (1975): This agreement between the Soviet Union, the United States, and other European countries included a commitment to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
  • Carter Doctrine (1980): President Carter’s speech to the Naval Academy laid out his vision for a foreign policy based on human rights and democracy.
  • Reagan Doctrine (1985): President Reagan’s speech to the National Association of Evangelicals set out his vision for a foreign policy that would support anti-communist insurgents around the world.
  • The National Security Strategy of the United States (2022): This document, issued by the Biden administration, identifies human rights as a core national security interest.
  • Human Rights Watch World Report (2023): This annual report by Human Rights Watch documents human rights abuses in countries around the world.
  • Amnesty International Annual Report (2023): This annual report by Amnesty International documents human rights abuses in countries around the world.

Political and Security Contexts of the Era

The Cold War was a period of political and military tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. The two superpowers competed for global influence, and they often supported opposing sides in regional conflicts.

The Cold War also had a significant impact on human rights. The Soviet Union and its satellite states were authoritarian regimes that suppressed dissent and violated the human rights of their citizens. The United States also supported authoritarian regimes in the Third World in order to counter the spread of communism.

Conclusion

The United States should adopt a foreign policy attentive to international human rights. Such a policy would be consistent with our nation’s values and interests, and it would help to promote peace and stability in the world.

Reflection Paper: Human Rights

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. They apply regardless of where you are from, what you believe or how you choose to live your life.

Human rights are important because they protect us from harm and allow us to live our lives with dignity and respect. They also help to create a more just and equitable world.

The United States has a long history of promoting human rights around the world. We have supported the development of international human rights law, and we have provided assistance to countries that are working to improve their human rights records.

However, the United States has also fallen short in its commitment to human rights. We have supported authoritarian regimes in the past, and we have engaged in human rights abuses ourselves.

The Biden administration has pledged to make human rights a central pillar of U.S. foreign policy. This is a welcome development, but the United States will need to do more to live up to its values.

We need to hold ourselves and our allies accountable for human rights abuses. We also need to provide more support to countries that are working to

 

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