From the often-forgotten Washington Doctrine, to the Truman Doctrine that continues to influence our modern national security, to the Obama Doctrine that is still solidifying, American foreign and national security policy is shaped by the historical development of national security doctrines. In the post 9/11 world, with its continuing unrest and instability in the Middle East, these issues are of paramount importance. The lecture a chronological view of the foreign policy/national security doctrines of key American presidents from Washington to Obama, framed by commentary on the historical context for each, discussions of major themes, and examinations of the lasting impact of these policies.
The lecture also provides an examination of the foreign policy and national security doctrines of key American presidents from Washington to Obama, covering everything from our missionary zeal and our pursuit of open navigation of the seas, to our involvement in the ongoing political and military conflicts in the Middle East. It addresses the multiple sources behind the doctrines: real, rhetorical, and ideological. Arranged chronologically, each chapter offers commentary on the historical evolution of these doctrines, identifies the major themes, and highlights unique revelations.
Dr. Lamont Colucci has experience as a diplomat with the U.S. Dept. of State and is today an Associate Professor of Politics and Government at Ripon College. His primary area of expertise is United States national security and United States foreign policy. At Ripon, he is the coordinator for the National Security Studies program and teaches courses on national security, foreign policy, intelligence, terrorism, and international relations. He has published a book entitled Crusading Realism: The Bush Doctrine and American Core Values After 9/11, and was contributing author of another book entitled The Day That Changed Everything: Looking at the Impact of 9/11 at the End of the Decade. He is currently finishing a two volume series entitled - The National Security Doctrines of the American Presidency: How they Shape our Present and Future. In 2012, he became a Fulbright Scholar designated to teach at the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna, Austria. He has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a doctorate in politics from the University of London, England. In 2007 he was the recipient of Ripon's Severy Excellence in Teaching award and in 2010 the Underkofler Outstanding Teaching Award. Dr. Colucci is also an occasional columnist for the Washington Times.