This paper examines the need of the United States of America to have an enemy which it can focus upon. The author chronologically examines the different enemies the US faced since the year 1765 and the American Revolutionary War or American War of Independence. He analyses the form, function and evolution of these enemies over time. Furthermore, this paper also touches the economic aspect of military spending.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Historiographical Debate
- The Fall of Communism and the Search for a New Enemy
- Enemy-Dependence as an Ideological Construct
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to synthesize existing theories to demonstrate that the United States' need for an enemy is a long-standing tradition rooted in its historical context, shaping its political and economic outlook. It explores how this "enemy-dependence" has evolved over time, manifesting in various political and economic concepts.
- The historical evolution of America's need for an enemy.
- The role of ideological constructs in shaping enemy perceptions.
- The influence of political and economic factors on the definition of enemies.
- The impact of enemy-dependence on US foreign policy and domestic affairs.
- The changing nature of America's enemies throughout history.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage by outlining the paper's central argument: the form, function, and evolution of America's persistent need for an enemy, tracing its roots from colonial times to the present day. The author establishes three primary contributing factors: an ideological construct originating in early American conflicts, the influence on the American political system, and the validation of increased military spending and global presence. The section foreshadows an examination of the historiographical debate surrounding this topic and highlights the paper's unique contribution in connecting ideological foundations with contemporary political and economic arguments.
Historiographical Debate: This chapter delves into the scholarly discussions surrounding America's need for an enemy. It traces the evolution of academic perspectives, from early explorations of the political justifications for military intervention spurred by World War I, through the rise of political psychology in the 1960s and 1980s, which examined the mental processes involved in enemy creation. The chapter highlights key scholars and their contributions, demonstrating the increasing sophistication of understanding this complex phenomenon, from initial studies focusing on political and economic justifications to later analyses incorporating psychological dimensions. It notes that while some linked this need to specific historical events (like World War II or the Cold War), a broader, inherent aspect of American identity has been increasingly recognized.
The Fall of Communism and the Search for a New Enemy: This section discusses the public and scholarly reaction to the fall of the Soviet Union and the subsequent perceived need for a new enemy. It highlights the anxieties expressed in popular culture and political commentary about the absence of a clear external threat. The chapter explores various perspectives on the reasons behind the search for new adversaries after the end of the Cold War, citing several scholars who attempted to identify the root causes. These explanations range from the legacy of the Cold War's propaganda to the lasting impact of specific historical events like the dropping of the atomic bomb. The chapter emphasizes the significant shift in thinking, with the post-Cold War era pushing scholars towards a deeper understanding of America's enemy-dependence as a more deeply ingrained national characteristic.
Enemy-Dependence as an Ideological Construct: This chapter argues that America's need for an enemy is not merely a reaction to specific historical events but a deeply ingrained ideological construct rooted in the nation's founding. It traces this construct to the hostile environment of colonial America, characterized by conflicts with various groups (Native Americans, European powers, and internal dissent). The chapter highlights the role of political rhetoric, exemplified by Paine's "Common Sense," in shaping public opinion and identifying external enemies. It emphasizes the continued presence of internal division and distrust even after the Revolutionary War and examines how the culture of fear, corruption, and conspiracy established during the colonial period contributed to the enduring need for an enemy.
Keywords
American foreign policy, enemy-dependence, ideological construct, Cold War, political psychology, historical analysis, national identity, military-industrial complex, global hegemony, political rhetoric.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main argument of this academic paper?
The paper argues that the United States' need for an enemy is a long-standing tradition deeply rooted in its historical context, shaping its political and economic outlook. This "enemy-dependence" has evolved over time, manifesting in various political and economic concepts. The paper explores the historical evolution of this need, the role of ideological constructs in shaping enemy perceptions, and the impact of this dependence on US foreign policy and domestic affairs.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the historical evolution of America's need for an enemy, the role of ideological constructs in shaping enemy perceptions, the influence of political and economic factors on the definition of enemies, the impact of enemy-dependence on US foreign policy and domestic affairs, and the changing nature of America's enemies throughout history.
What historical periods does the paper cover?
The paper covers a broad historical span, from colonial times to the present day, tracing the evolution of America's "enemy-dependence" through various significant historical events and periods.
How does the paper address the historiographical debate?
The paper delves into existing scholarly discussions surrounding America's need for an enemy, tracing the evolution of academic perspectives from early explorations of political justifications for military intervention to more recent analyses incorporating psychological dimensions. It highlights key scholars and their contributions, showcasing the increasing sophistication of understanding this complex phenomenon.
What is the significance of the fall of Communism in the context of the paper?
The paper examines the public and scholarly reaction to the fall of the Soviet Union and the subsequent search for a new enemy. It explores anxieties expressed about the absence of a clear external threat and analyzes various perspectives on the reasons behind the search for new adversaries after the end of the Cold War.
How does the paper define "enemy-dependence" as an ideological construct?
The paper argues that America's need for an enemy is not merely a reaction to specific events but a deeply ingrained ideological construct rooted in the nation's founding. It traces this construct to the hostile environment of colonial America and examines how the culture of fear and conspiracy contributed to the enduring need for an enemy.
What are the key chapters and their respective focuses?
The paper is structured into four main chapters: an Introduction setting the stage and outlining the central argument; a chapter on the Historiographical Debate reviewing existing scholarship; a chapter on the Fall of Communism and the Search for a New Enemy; and a final chapter on Enemy-Dependence as an Ideological Construct.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include American foreign policy, enemy-dependence, ideological construct, Cold War, political psychology, historical analysis, national identity, military-industrial complex, global hegemony, and political rhetoric.
- Quote paper
- Andre Chavez (Author), 2014, The United States' Need for an Enemy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/307294
