Political scientist Hans Morgenthau observed that although the ultimate aims of international politics may be freedom, security, or prosperity, the immediate aim is always power. Describe two situations during the Cold War that illustrate this claim

Question

Do you think it would apply equally well to recent military actions? Provide a justification for your answer.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer:
An ideal response will:
1. Note that the very basis of the Cold War, the struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union, was obviously a struggle for power, as the whole point of deterrence was to become more powerful than the other nation in order to fend off an attack.
2. Describe another situation during the Cold War that demonstrates an immediate aim for power, such as the Korean War, in which each side sought the power of control in South Korea, or even the Marshal Plan, which was an attempt to gain power over the communists by rebuilding nations that might be susceptible to communist subversion because they were economically weak.
3. Make and justify arguments for whether the description applies equally well to recent military actions. Most would argue that it does because, for example, the invasion of Afghanistan was an attempt to gain power over the terrorists in that country and the invasion of Iraq was an attempt to gain power by taking away the power weapons of mass destruction would give Iraq. Some, however, would argue that terrorism has changed the face of international politics, and the United States must act even in situations where it would prefer to have no power or control, such as during the occupation of Iraq, if such actions are necessary to protect U.S. national security.