Isabella Carter
The term big stick diplomacy is used to describe the foreign policy positions and actions of US President Theodore Roosevelt, whose administration was marked by a desire to wield power in global affairs and intervene in other countries' affairs. Roosevelt's approach to diplomacy was encapsulated by the phrase speak softly and carry a big stick, which he claimed was a West African proverb. This phrase and the policies it inspired were important in shaping the US's role in international diplomacy and its emergence as a respected world power.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International negotiations backed by the threat of force | The threat of force is used to negotiate with other countries |
| Serious military capability | A world-class navy that forces the adversary to pay attention |
| Act justly towards other nations | Never bluff and strike only when prepared to strike hard |
| Allow the adversary to save face in defeat | Negotiate peacefully but also have strength in case things go wrong |
| Be respectful towards all people | Refrain from wronging others |
| Be prepared to prevent wrong being done to your country |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of military capability
Roosevelt's foreign policy philosophy, known as the "big stick" ideology, emphasised the need for a strong military to support diplomatic objectives. He believed that a powerful military would force adversaries to pay attention and take the country's threats seriously. At the time, this meant building a world-class navy, as Roosevelt did not have a large army until the 1900s.
The "big stick" approach can be compared to gunboat diplomacy, where a powerful navy is used to project power and influence in international politics. For Roosevelt, this meant using the Great White Fleet of 16 battleships to peacefully circumnavigate the globe, showcasing America's military might and rising prestige. This subtle display of military muscle was a key component of his diplomatic strategy.
In conclusion, the "big stick" diplomacy espoused by Roosevelt relied on a strong military capability to force adversaries to take notice and respect America's interests. It served as a form of insurance, ensuring that peaceful negotiations were taken seriously and that the country could defend itself if needed. This approach continues to influence foreign policy decision-making, highlighting the enduring importance of military capability in international relations.
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Negotiating peacefully, strength in reserve
The concept of "big stick diplomacy" is associated with Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy approach, which he described as "the exercise of intelligent forethought and of decisive action sufficiently far in advance of any likely crisis". The phrase itself comes from a proverb quoted by Roosevelt: "Speak softly and carry a big stick".
Roosevelt's interpretation of the proverb entailed negotiating peacefully while maintaining significant military strength as a reserve. This approach was influenced by his desire for the US to wield power in global affairs, similar to the European empires. He believed that US interests were global interests and that it was beneficial for "civilized" nations to intervene in other countries' affairs.
The "big stick" in this context refers to the threat of force, specifically, a world-class navy. Roosevelt never had a large army during his presidency, but he frequently reminded other countries that the US was building its naval capabilities. This display of military strength was intended to force adversaries to pay close attention and take the US seriously.
Roosevelt's implementation of big stick diplomacy had five components. Firstly, possessing a formidable military capability that would deter potential aggressors. Secondly, acting justly towards other nations and refraining from wronging them. Thirdly, never bluffing or making idle threats. Fourthly, striking only when prepared to strike hard and decisively. Finally, allowing the defeated adversary to save face in defeat.
An example of Roosevelt's big stick diplomacy can be seen in the canal-related incidents in Nicaragua and Panama. In 1901, the US negotiated with Nicaragua for the construction of a canal, offering $1.5 million in ratification, $100,000 annually, and a guarantee of "sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity". However, when a problem of court jurisdiction arose, the US favoured Panama due to its leader, General José Santos Zelaya, being more aligned with US interests. Roosevelt's big stick diplomacy played a role in these negotiations, as he simultaneously pursued peaceful negotiations while signalling the US's growing naval power.
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The Monroe Doctrine
Monroe outlined two separate spheres of influence: the Americas and Europe. The doctrine stated that the independent lands of the Western Hemisphere would be solely the domain of the United States. In exchange, the United States pledged to avoid involvement in European political affairs and not to interfere in the existing European colonies in the Americas. The Monroe Doctrine was conceived to address the concerns of the time, but it quickly became a defining aspect of US policy in the Western Hemisphere.
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Realpolitik and Machiavellian ideals
Big Stick Diplomacy was a foreign policy approach associated with US President Theodore Roosevelt. The policy was based on the proverb, "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far", which Roosevelt used to explain his relations with domestic political leaders and his approach to foreign policy. The "big stick" refers to military strength, which Roosevelt believed was necessary to defend a country's rights and prevent wrongdoing. This notion of a pragmatic approach to international relations, where power is pursued, possessed, and applied, is a key tenet of Realpolitik and Machiavellian ideals.
Realpolitik emerged in mid-19th century Europe and is associated with German political thought, particularly the statecraft of Otto von Bismarck in the unification of Germany. The term was coined by German thinker Ludwig von Rochau, who wrote about the need to adapt to the world as it is, rather than as it should be, in order to achieve liberal goals. Realpolitik, or political realism, is a theory that assumes states pursue their interests through the exercise of power. This often involves a disregard for ethical considerations in the relentless pursuit of national interests.
Machiavellianism, a political philosophy attributed to Niccolò Machiavelli, is often associated with political realism and Realpolitik. Machiavelli's most famous work, "The Prince", is a handbook for rulers, emphasising the "effectual truth" of politics and the ruthless use of power. Machiavelli argues that it is safer for a ruler to be feared than loved, as people are inherently ungrateful and self-serving. This cynical view of human nature, where pragmatism and the pursuit of power are prioritised over ethical considerations, is a key aspect of Machiavellian thought.
Both Realpolitik and Machiavellianism offer a pragmatic and often amoral approach to politics and international relations. They emphasise the pursuit of power and national interests, suggesting that ethical considerations are secondary to the achievement of practical objectives. While Realpolitik focuses on the study of forces that shape and alter the state, Machiavellianism provides a handbook for rulers to navigate the complexities of power. Together, these schools of thought provide a framework for understanding the realist approach to international relations and the use of power in politics, as exemplified by Roosevelt's Big Stick Diplomacy.
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Theodore Roosevelt's legacy
Roosevelt's "Big Stick" diplomacy had five key components. Firstly, he emphasized the importance of a strong military capability, particularly a world-class navy, to force adversaries to pay attention. Secondly, he advocated for acting justly towards other nations and never bluffing. Thirdly, Roosevelt believed in striking only when prepared to strike hard and allowing the adversary to save face in defeat. Fourthly, his diplomacy involved negotiating peacefully while also being prepared for potential conflicts. Finally, Roosevelt's foreign policy was characterized by his interventionist approach, particularly in Latin America, where he promoted the construction of the Panama Canal and enforced the Monroe Doctrine.
Roosevelt's precedent of intervening in Latin America had a significant impact on subsequent US foreign policy. His belief in the global reach of American interests led him to intervene in the Russo-Japanese War, preventing a potential war between Germany and France over their colonial claims in Morocco. Roosevelt's diplomacy with European countries helped elevate the United States to the status of a respected world power.
However, Roosevelt's legacy in foreign policy has also been criticized for its interventionist nature, particularly in Latin America. Some scholars argue that his precedent of intervening in the region led to economic colonialism in Latin America. Despite this criticism, Roosevelt's role in negotiating the end of the Russo-Japanese War earned him the Nobel Peace Prize, a first for a sitting US president.
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Frequently asked questions
The 'big stick' refers to the threat of military force.
The term comes from a proverb quoted by Theodore Roosevelt, who said that the United States should "speak softly and carry a big stick". Roosevelt claimed that this was a West African proverb, but there is little evidence to support this.
Roosevelt believed that the United States needed to wield power in world affairs, like European empires did, and that it was good for "civilised" nations to intervene in other countries' affairs. He also thought that if the United States didn't "take a bigger role in world affairs, it would actually decline from being a world power".
Roosevelt used military muscle to complement his diplomatic policies and enforce the Monroe Doctrine through multiple interventions in Latin America. For example, he sent the Great White Fleet of 16 battleships to peacefully circumnavigate the globe as a display of US power. He also used big stick diplomacy to police small debtor nations with unstable governments in Latin America and the Caribbean.
