Exporting democracy to advance national security: The cycles of American isolationism, multilateralism, militarism, nationalism, imperialism, and determinism

Presented at the International Conference of Social Science Research, 2005

Abstract:  PPPA 8510, Democracy and political theory

This examination of political theory explores the cycles of isolationism, multilateralism, militarism, nationalism, imperialism, and determinism as evidenced in American foreign policy. Many American presidents have attempted to “democratize” other nations as part of their respective national security and foreign relations strategies. The impact of these strategies vis-à-vis the acquisition of territory and client states, neo-colonialism, human rights, trade, industrialization, peace, and treaties is discussed at length. Differing views of the role of the United States in the world, particularly with respect to their attempts to influence the structure and composition of foreign governments, are also compared.

Abstract:  PPPA 8520, Research and Issues in Democratic Governance

This section of the KAM, PPPA 8520, Research and Issues in Democratic Governance, explores the principles, methods, and tools used by the administration of President George W. Bush for the stated purpose of advancing democracy and freedom throughout the world, particularly in Iraq. A review of the current literature:
1. Discusses the underlying rationales and motivations of these policies;
2. Examines the methods employed by the Bush Administration to implement U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by influencing, subverting, or overthrowing foreign regimes; and
3. Assesses the results of U.S. efforts to export democracy since 9/11.

Abstract:  PPPA 8530, Professional Practice Application of Democratic Governance

This essay focuses on the application of principles of democratization in Iraq since the deposing of Saddam Hussein and synthesizes the research in the breadth, depth, and application sections of this KAM. A content analysis of data gathered during a series of surveys conducted at various points during the three years of occupation is reported. Recommendations for promoting Iraqi independence, enhancing security, and reducing violence, in addition to suggested areas for further inquiry, complete this body of research.

The Evolution of Leadership Mores and the Laws of War

Abstract:  PPPA 8612, Classical and Emerging Paradigms of Leadership
Studies of presidential leadership have shown that the “need for power, need for achievement, party affiliation, assassination attempts, war, military interventions, vetoes, and cabinet turnover” have correlations with perceptions of a President’s “greatness” (Simonton, 1981, p. 307). In PPPA 8612, Classical and Emerging Paradigms of Leadership, a multi-disciplinary study of leadership during times of war lays the foundation for an exploration of the policies implemented by several 20th Century American presidents as to national security, human rights, war crimes, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and international treaties. The evolution of societal mores that led to codification of the laws of conflict, beginning with the Geneva Convention of 1864, is also analyzed.

Abstract:  PPPA 8622, Research and Issues in Organizational Leadership and Change
PPPA 8622, Research and Issues in Organizational Leadership and Change, explores some of the principles, methods, and tools used by the administration of President George W. Bush in fighting the “War on Terror.” The paper begins with an annotated bibliography of 15 recent peer-reviewed articles. The review of the current literature:
1. Explains the underlying rationales and motivations of these policies;
2. Examines the methods employed by the Bush Administration to implement U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by capturing, detaining, interrogating, and punishing those who are alleged to pose a threat to the United States; and
3. Assesses the results of U.S. efforts to fight terrorism since 9/11 via detention and occupation operations.

Abstract:  PPPA 8632, Professional Practice Application in Organizational Leadership and Change
In PPPA 8632, Professional Practice Application in Organizational Leadership and Change, the research discussed focuses on the leadership policies of the Bush Administration pertaining to the detention of enemy combatants at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This section of the KAM:
1. Reviews analyses of Guantanamo detention operations by the legal, medical, intelligence, and military communities;
2. Integrates the analyses’ results and trends with other research materials;
3. Researches current oversight measures and their efficacy;
4. Makes recommendations for areas of additional research and policy modifications.