Volume XXXI – Number 2
Ngozi Caleb Kamalu
Abstract: The United States’ Foreign Policy has significantly evolved since the US rose to international prominence after WWII. This article argues that the policy options and strategies adopted by the US in reaction to the Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait were shaped by Vietnam experiences. To elaborate, the failure of Vietnam produced a “Vietnam Syndrome”—a sense of helplessness, shame, and retreat by US policy-makers. This self-doubt persisted under Carter and was not confronted until Ronald Reagan. However, President Regan’s efforts were hindered by the failed US peacekeeping venture in Lebanon. Until the success of the Gulf War, the US was unable to overcome past missteps and reinvigorate its self-confidence. US success resulted from new foreign policy approaches based on lessons learned from Vietnam regarding military transparency, force employment, and inter-branch cooperation. Still, new challenges lie ahead, namely in Bosnia.
Key Words: Foreign Policy, Post WWII, Vietnam, The Gulf War, War Powers Act of 1973, National security
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