DIPLOMACY IN ACTION Definition: Diplomacy
- skill in the management of international relations (dictionary.com)
Diplomacy is a complex and often challenging practice of fostering relationships around the world in order to resolve issues and advance interests.
(http://diplomacy.state.gov/discoverdiplomacy/ )
President who followed this policy Big Stick Diplomacy Dollar Diplomacy Moral Diplomacy (Missionary) Theodore Roosevelt William Howard Taft Wilson Textbook Definition “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far” “President William Howard Taft’s policy of influencing Latin American governments through economic not military , intervention” Your Definition Showing military power – but not talking about it Asking nicely for people to do what you want – with your military standing behind you Roosevelt Corollary: addition to the Monroe Doctrine where he warned that disorder in Latin America might force the US to exercise its might as an international police power (The US will now use FORCE in Latin America to protect its economic interests) Using economic power and business investment to influence governments, events, policies etc. The US has the moral responsibility to deny recognition to any Latin American government it viewed as oppressive, undemocratic or hostile to US interests The US wants to help countries and is looking at more than just economic opportunity, but now also if the governments are good to the people Mexican Revolution: Military Dictator Porfirio Diaz led Mexico (we supported him because he allowed US investment in Mexico) – people didn’t like Diaz so there was a revolution. Francisco Madero overthrew Diaz and promised reforms – but he was murdered. General Victoriano Huerta took over the government and the US refused to recognize him and his “government of butchers.” Examples of diplomacy in action Benefits of this type of diplomacy Demonstrates US power without having to really use it (bully) Nicaragua – 1911 US agrees to help Nicaragua pay its national debt in exchange for the US having the right to send troops to Nicaragua if the US leaders felt it was necessary (Similar agreement with Honduras) IN ACTION: Congress did not agree but Taft followed it anyways – July 1911 Nicaragua failed to repay a large loan from Britain… Sec. of State Chase Knox helped to secure a 1.5 BILLION dollar loan for Nicaragua from American bankers… in return, the bankers received control of the National Bank of Nicaragua and the government owned railway. Nicaraguan locals disapproved of this and revolted – Taft sent in the Marines to protect US interests – they remained until 1925 – left briefly, then returned until 1933 Uses American businesses and investments – Sets a good tone for the US in the world grows our economy Drawbacks of this type of diplomacy Expensive Could HAVE to use force (war) Congress doesn’t approve More designed for takeover then really helping Drastically different then what we’ve done before – people who have long been “friends” of the US are not moral