Assignment 1: The Cold War and U.S. Diplomacy
Due Week 5 and worth 135 points

Select a president from the table, “Presidents and Their ‘Doctrines,’” in Roskin, Chapter 6. Then write a three to five (3-5) page paper on the doctrine that a president used according to Roskin. Your research must include at least four (4) credible sources, apart from your textbook. Your paper must address the following:

1. Summarize a situation that required U.S. diplomatic efforts during the president’s time in office.
2. Explicate the diplomatic doctrine the president followed, with reference to specific actions or events that occurred.
3. Describe the effects of these diplomatic efforts for the U.S. and other countries.
4. Assess, in conclusion, the advantages and disadvantages of the particular doctrine that was followed.
5. Cite at least four (4) reputable sources in addition to the textbook, not including Wikipedia, encyclopedias, or dictionaries.

Your assignment must:

• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Identify the cultural, economic, and political context of information resources, and interpret information in light of that context.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in international problems.
• Write clearly and concisely about international problems using proper writing mechanics.

Click here to view the grading rubric. 

Tip: Here is what to focus on:

– A doctrine is a set of principles that a US president has applied to various regions, situations or other countries.
– We are interested in Cold War doctrines that presidents used to try to contain, or stop, the spread of Communism.
– Find a situation in which your president dealt with a global issue, proxy war, or conflict related to the Cold War with the Soviet Union (USSR) between 1945-1989.  Answer the 4 questions about it.
– These presidents are listed in your text on p. 106 and go from President Truman to Reagan.