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What role does the Monroe Doctrine play in the War on Terror?

User Tarta
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For most of the American history, the isolationist tendency prevailed in its foreign policy. In its early years, American foreign policy was in fact a reflection of the American national interest, namely, to fortify the new nation’s independence. With the European continent torn apart by the great powers’ rivalry, the American nation could develop at its own pace, without any major external threat. Therefore, the nonalignment practice, the isolationism, the constant effort to remain free of entanglements overseas became characteristic features of the early American foreign policy (Kissinger, 10-12). The step forward in strengthening this view was made in 1823, when the Monroe Doctrine was proclaimed, a political decision basically stating that further European action on the American continent will be interpreted as an intervention and a threat for the new nation’s stability. Surprisingly accepted without much of a revolt by the European powers, the new doctrine defended America and assured an uninterrupted pursue of its goal: growing internally and turning itself into a Great Power, with the formidable advantage of not being threatened by state rivalry

User Piyush Mattoo
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The Monroe Doctrine does not play a direct role in the War on Terror as it is a foreign policy principle related to the Western Hemisphere and European intervention. However, the principles of non-intervention and sovereignty promoted by the Monroe Doctrine have been cited by some as a basis for non-intervention in other regions of the world, including the Middle East.

User Bajaco
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