More Than a Doctrine: The Eisenhower Era in the Middle East

The Eisenhower Doctrine Address, given on January 5, 1957, changed America's relationship with the Middle East by declaring that the US would serve as the region's "protector of freedom" against Communist aggression. President Eisenhower invoked the doctrine 18 months later, landing troops in Lebanon and setting an enduring precedent for US intervention in the Middle East. This book explores how Eisenhower's rhetoric continues to influence American policy and perception of the Middle East.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2018
Publisher: Potomac Books Inc

The Eisenhower Doctrine Address, delivered on January 5, 1957, marked a significant turning point in the relationship between the United States and the Middle East. In the wake of the Suez Crisis, President Eisenhower boldly asserted that the United States assumed a greater responsibility for ensuring freedom and stability in the region. He declared that the United States would serve as the protector of freedom against Communist aggression. Eighteen months later, the president invoked the Eisenhower Doctrine, leading to the deployment of troops in Lebanon, setting a lasting precedent for U.S. intervention in the Middle East.

Justifying this intervention to a cautious American public wary of foreign entanglements was a crucial challenge for Eisenhower. He sought to address concerns by emphasizing the importance of upholding international law and promoting democracy and human rights. Eisenhower also argued that the spread of Communism posed a direct threat to American security and the stability of the Middle East.

The bold issuance of the Eisenhower Doctrine was driven by several factors. Firstly, it was a response to the growing influence of the Soviet Union in the Middle East and the perceived threat it posed to American interests. Secondly, it was a reflection of the president's belief in the power of persuasive rhetoric to shape public opinion and influence foreign policy.

Eisenhower's rhetoric has continued to shape American policy and perception of the Middle East in the decades since his presidency. The doctrine's emphasis on the promotion of freedom and democracy has resonated with policymakers and the American public, leading to continued intervention in the region to support these values. However, the doctrine's legacy has also been criticized for its potential to perpetuate military intervention and undermine regional sovereignty.

In conclusion, the Eisenhower Doctrine Address marked a significant milestone in the history of U.S. foreign policy towards the Middle East. President Eisenhower's bold assertion of American responsibility and commitment to freedom and democracy set a precedent for future interventions in the region. While the doctrine's legacy is complex, its impact on American policy and perception of the Middle East is undeniable. By examining Eisenhower's rhetoric, this book provides valuable insights into the argumentative origins of the doctrine and its ongoing significance in shaping U.S. foreign policy.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 236 x 161 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781612349978