Jonah Patel
The United States' foreign policy has been a topic of debate for decades, with critics often questioning whether the country follows an isolationist approach. Isolationism, a strategic perspective that discourages foreign entanglements, has been a part of American thinking since its founding. While the US has historically advocated for trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchanges, there have been periods marked by a reluctance to intervene militarily. After World War I, the country shifted towards isolationism, with the devastating human and financial costs of the war leading Americans to question deep international involvement. This sentiment was further reinforced by skepticism towards President Woodrow Wilson's League of Nations, resulting in the US passing Neutrality Acts in the 1930s to avoid foreign wars. However, with the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the US entered World War II, marking an end to traditional isolationism. Today, the discussion continues as some argue for a recalibration of foreign policy, prioritizing national interests and stability over expansive military commitments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Isolationist policies in the US | Avoiding foreign entanglements |
| Non-interventionism | |
| Sovereigntism | |
| Non-entanglement in international politics | |
| Avoiding unnecessary wars | |
| Protecting core national interests | |
| Recalibrating foreign policy | |
| Prioritizing domestic concerns | |
| Maintaining international presence | |
| Trade | |
| Diplomacy | |
| Cultural exchanges |
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What You'll Learn
US foreign policy after World War I
The US foreign policy after World War I was largely isolationist. During Woodrow Wilson's presidency, the US briefly shed its isolation-based foreign policy to defend democracy on a global scale. However, the effects of World War I led the country to retreat from global affairs and adopt isolationist policies to foster internal growth and development. This shift in foreign policy was also influenced by the emotional and financial costs of the war, with Americans feeling that joining the war effort was a mistake and wanting to avoid future intervention in foreign affairs.
The US Senate's refusal to join the League of Nations, an international organization designed to facilitate cooperation and end devastating wars, marked a significant step towards isolationism. Warren Harding's victory in the 1920 presidential election further solidified this stance as he campaigned on staying out of global affairs and focusing on domestic issues. Harding's administration, along with that of his vice president, Calvin Coolidge, prioritized economic growth, business support, industrial expansion, and tariff imposition to strengthen the domestic economy.
While the US adopted a predominantly isolationist stance, it did engage in selective international involvement. The Republican administrations of the 1920s actively managed problems abroad, particularly in Latin America, where they continued to expand economically and protect their interests. The US also played a leading role in promoting naval disarmament, a cause that garnered widespread political support. Additionally, the Stimson Doctrine, established by President Herbert Hoover, expressed concern over Japan's aggressive invasion of Manchuria without committing to direct intervention.
The Great Depression and memories of World War I losses further pushed American public opinion and policy towards isolationism in the 1930s. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt initially faced opposition from isolationists in Congress, who advocated non-intervention in European and Asian conflicts. Roosevelt's attempts to increase US involvement in international affairs were met with resistance, and Congress passed a series of Neutrality Acts to prevent entanglement in outside conflicts. However, as the situation in Europe worsened, public opinion shifted towards supporting limited aid to the Allies, and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor ultimately led to US entry into World War II.
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The Stimson Doctrine
The doctrine was named after Henry L. Stimson, the US Secretary of State under President Herbert Hoover from 1929 to 1933. Stimson issued the doctrine in response to the Japanese seizure of Manchuria, which placed the US in a difficult position. The doctrine was intended as a political declaration, but it attracted the attention of the League of Nations, which adopted a similar resolution in March 1932. The Stimson Doctrine also acquired legal force for the members of the Organization of American States through its inclusion in the Saavedra Lamas Treaty and the Montevideo Convention of 1933, later followed by the Charter of the Organization of American States of 1948.
In the context of US isolationist policy, the Stimson Doctrine can be seen as a response to the changing international landscape of the 1930s. While the US had pursued isolationist policies in the 1920s and early 1930s, the rise of aggressive powers like Japan and the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937 shifted public opinion towards limited aid to allies without direct intervention. The Stimson Doctrine allowed the US to express concern over aggressive actions without committing to direct involvement, reflecting the isolationist sentiment prevalent at the time.
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US foreign policy during the 1920s
The 1920 election of President Warren Harding, who campaigned against Wilson's policies, further solidified this isolationist stance. Harding's victory was based on the promise to stay out of global affairs and focus on domestic issues. This was reflected in policies such as the Immigration Act of 1924, which banned immigration from Japan to the United States, and the withdrawal of troops from the Dominican Republic in 1924.
However, it is important to note that US foreign policy during the 1920s was not entirely isolationist. The country remained deeply involved in Western Hemisphere affairs, particularly in Central America and Latin America. For example, American troops returned to Nicaragua in 1927 to protect American business interests, investments, and property rights during a civil war. Additionally, the US played a significant role in diplomatic talks on disarmament, war debts, and maintaining international peace. The 1922 Washington Naval Treaty, negotiated by Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes, aimed to prevent a naval arms race among major powers.
The US also continued to engage with other nations, normalising relations with the Soviet Union in 1933 and signing the Kellogg-Briand Peace Pact in 1928, which outlawed war as an instrument of foreign policy. While the US did not join the League of Nations, it cooperated with international agencies throughout the 1920s on matters such as trade and diplomatic talks.
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US involvement in Iraq, Afghanistan and Ukraine
The United States has historically oscillated between periods of isolationism and internationalism in its foreign policy approach, with various factors influencing this shift. During the 1930s, the aftermath of World War I and the Great Depression pushed American public opinion and policy towards isolationism, advocating non-entanglement in international politics and conflicts. However, with the onset of World War II, public sentiment shifted towards limited aid to allies without direct intervention.
US Involvement in Iraq
The United States has had a significant involvement in Iraq, particularly in recent decades. The US assisted in the efforts to defeat ISIS in Iraq, and in December 2017, Iraq achieved a milestone by liberating the country from ISIS with the support of the Global Coalition led by the US. Following this territorial defeat of ISIS, the US transitioned to a role of advising, enabling, and assisting Iraq in stabilizing liberated areas. The US maintains a strategic partnership with Iraq, aiming for a stable, prosperous, democratic, and unified country. This includes promoting civilian oversight of the military, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for human rights. The US is also one of Iraq's largest trading partners, with two-way trade in goods totaling $4.6 billion in 2021.
US Involvement in Afghanistan
The US has had a complex involvement in Afghanistan, particularly following the 1998 US embassy bombings orchestrated by al-Qaeda. In response, President Clinton ordered missile strikes on militant training camps. After the 9/11 attacks on the US by al-Qaeda in 2001, the Bush administration devised a plan for military action in Afghanistan, including aerial bombing campaigns and the deployment of ground forces. The CIA played a crucial role in collaborating with the Northern Alliance and inserting paramilitary teams.
US Involvement in Ukraine
US-Ukraine relations have evolved over time, with informal diplomatic relations dating back to 1919. Following the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014, the US began supplying military aid to Ukraine, becoming one of its largest defense partners. This support increased significantly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with the US providing extensive military aid and condemning the invasion. Public opinion polls indicate a generally favorable view of Ukraine among Americans, with a majority considering the Russia-Ukraine conflict a critical threat to US interests. However, a meeting between President Trump and Zelenskyy in 2025 resulted in a public fallout, leading to a pause in military aid and a halt in intelligence sharing.
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US diplomacy in a globalized world
The US has also had periods where it actively engaged in global affairs, such as during Woodrow Wilson's presidency when it defended democracy worldwide. The country's response to the Second World War marked a turning point, as the attack on Pearl Harbor led to its official entry into the war and signalled the end of traditional isolationism. Since then, American strategic thinking has recognized that disengagement is no longer a viable option in an interconnected world.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of isolationist sentiment in the US, driven by factors such as dissatisfaction with recent interventions, rising competition from other powers, and a desire to prioritize national interests. Critics of expansive military commitments have argued for a recalibration of foreign policy, advocating for a more restrained approach that avoids unnecessary wars while still engaging internationally. This perspective seeks to balance US involvement in global affairs with addressing pressing domestic concerns.
However, the label of "isolationism" continues to be controversial in US foreign policy circles, often carrying negative connotations of extremism and irresponsibility. As a result, some scholars and policymakers who propose less interventionist approaches are often marginalized. Nonetheless, the tide seems to be shifting, with a growing recognition that alternative foreign policy perspectives may be necessary in a changing global landscape.
In a globalized world, US diplomacy faces the challenge of navigating between intervention and restraint. While the US recognizes its role and responsibility in maintaining world stability, it also grapples with the limitations of its power and the potential pitfalls of overextension. As the international community confronts complex issues such as nuclear proliferation and rising tensions, US diplomacy must adapt to strike a balance between global leadership and respect for national sovereignty.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the US has not always followed an isolationist policy in international diplomacy. While the idea of avoiding foreign entanglements has been a part of American strategic thinking since the country's founding, the US has also had periods of active involvement in international affairs. For instance, during Woodrow Wilson's presidency, the US shed its isolation-based foreign policy to defend democracy globally. However, the devastating effects of World War I led to a shift towards isolationism in the 1920s and 1930s, with the US passing Neutrality Acts to avoid foreign conflicts.
Proponents of US isolationism argue that the country should avoid unnecessary wars, focus on core national interests, and work with its allies to maintain stability. This perspective acknowledges the limits of American power and the risks of overextension, advocating for a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to foreign policy. Isolationism allows the US to address pressing domestic concerns while maintaining a strong international presence where it matters most.
Critics of US isolationism argue that it does not represent a total disengagement from the world. Even during periods of isolationism, the US has continued to engage in trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchanges. Some argue that instead of isolationism, the US should prioritize national interests and recalibrate its foreign policy to avoid unnecessary wars while maintaining international engagement.
