The Evolution of US Geostrategic Interests in the 20th Century

Abstract

The paper examines the dynamics of US geostrategic interests during the 20th–21st centuries, integrating in detail the historical, military, economic, and diplomatic factors that shaped the US role in the global order. The study emphasizes the initial isolationist stance of the US, the transformative impact of World Wars I and II, and the importance of the United Nations, the Bretton Woods system, and military alliances (NATO, US-Japan, South Korea) in the architecture of global security. The paper describes in detail the ideological confrontation of the Cold War era, the strategy of containment, and the extensive US military involvement in Korea and Vietnam. The work presents how the USA transformed from a small isolationist state into a leading global power, which implemented its interests in the international system with such integrated geostrategic instruments as military, economic, diplomatic and institutional aspects. The work clearly defines time categories and historical factors, which facilitates the complex perception of the strategic development of the USA. The work reflects in detail the influence of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan on the geostrategic interests of the USA, emphasizing their role in the processes of containing communism and rebuilding war-torn Europe. The author clearly shows how the US policy evolved not only into military support, but also into economic initiatives, which ensured stability and created a bulwark against Soviet influence. The paper also traces the major events of the post-Cold War era and the evolution of US geostrategic interests, emphasizing the importance of military operations, economic globalization, and engagement in international institutions. Military campaigns such as Desert Storm, the Balkan interventions, and the Global War on Terror are particularly clear in demonstrating the US’s willingness to use force to protect international stability and strategic interests.

Methodologically, the paper falls into the category of qualitative research, and various qualitative research techniques were used to collect and analyze data during the research.

The US is one of the most important global geostrategic players. Its geostrategic power is based on its geographical location, as well as its economic, military-political, and technological strength. It is precisely with these main geostrategic indicators that the US national security policy is being formed, which are reflected in conceptual documents.

Based on the analysis of the historical context, the study showed that several factors had the greatest influence on the formation of US geostrategic indicators: wars (especially during the World War and the Cold War), technological progress, the growth of international trade, dependence on energy resources, and the emergence of new players in global politics. US strategy is dynamically evolving - initially from isolationist approaches to aggressive interventionism. The classification of indicators - military, economic, technological, energy, and information - shows the multifaceted power of the state and the diversity of the challenges it responds to.