The "Containment" Policy - Protecting Democracy with Dictatorship

The policy of "containment" originated under President Harry Truman, became the main policy of the United States during the Cold War. The goal of this policy was to stop the Soviet Union's communist ideology from spreading to other nations of the world.  Many like to think the Cold War was a battle between democracy and communism, between freedom and oppression. However, as always, with world politics nothing is black and white; there are a thousand shades of gray. The Cold War was no different. The ultimate goal of "containment" was not to promote democracy as much as to stop communism. People wonder today why the United States is today viewed with suspicion and distrust from other nations. One of the main reasons for this is because of our lack of consistency during the Cold War.

During the Cold War, the United States would support right-wing governments and dictatorships that suppressed their own people, all in the name of stopping communism. In countries like Nicaragua and Ethiopia this strategy back-fired as it turned the majority of the populations against the harsh pro-US governments giving the communist parties the strength to overthrow them and install a communist regimes. Not only did these countries become communist, the new governments turned against the US for supporting the previous suppressive regimes. Situations like these impact our relationships with some countries to this day.

Probably one of the most lasting results of of our support for unpopular governments is Iran. Our support for the Shah until he was ousted created the scene for the 79-81 Iranian hostage crisis. The result is a hostile view of Iran that continues to this day.

Since the end of the Cold War I believe today our policy of containment has been replaced a more mature world view. The United States prides itself as an example of democracy and freedom, but actions speak louder than words.  If we claim to support life and liberty throughout the world then we must show that we do. I see Iraq and Afghanistan as promising examples that the policy has changed with the end of the Cold War. In these countries the United States has supported governments that are chosen by their people, and are held accountable by their people. Perhaps in the future this era will be remembered as a time were we not protected democracy but also, strengthened it throughout the world.