Abstract :
This study highlights the U.S. foreign policy decision-making process – and its underlying relevant factors – by describing certain cases that constitute breaking points in American foreign policy decision making, when the U.S. demonstrated a preference for either remaining on the sidelines or engaging in action. Because the U.S. chose to remain cautious following the formulation of the Monroe Doctrine which addresses American foreign policy attitude on non-intervention of the European powers in the affairs of American continent nations. In return, the U.S. asserted her neutral stance toward any incident taking place in the European continent stressing that she would not interfere in any conflict in the region. As a result, the study focuses on the Monroe Doctrine as the primary initial step leading to American isolationism. Then, it addresses shifts in American decision-making process and policies and the factors underneath by focusing on several incidents beginning with the First World War where the United States crossed the border into action. As a second case, the Pearl Harbor incident comes into the picture when Japanese expansionist attitude and aggression against the U.S. navy at Pearl Harbor forced American foreign policy not to remain isolated and she entered the Second World War. Thirdly, growing tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union which ended up in the Cold War, almost bringing both sides to the brink of a nuclear war, entailed a number of crises, one of them being the Vietnam War where America once again left her isolationist stance and engaged in course of action. Moreover, despite negative outcomes of the Vietnam case that led to a period of American isolation from outside affairs, the Iraqi crisis during Saddam Hussein’s rule ended American cautiousness and resulted in two military operations. As a further factor constituting another problematic issue for the U.S. where she engaged in a military operation as a response to al-Qaeda attacks, the study focuses on the Afghanistan case. Besides such historical cases, the Crimean issue is dealt with as a current development that raised the tension between Russia and the United States. It has not yet initiated an American foreign policy shift and made her take action; rather the precautions have been limited to economic sanctions imposed on Russia.
