Discussion Questions

1) In Chapter 1, McCormick states that following WW1 an WW2 hegemonic control occured first under Great Britian and later under the United States. He also implies that the formation of some hegemony, be it Germany or any other Eurpoean nation, was inevitable. In fact, he seems to say that these wars were fought in an effort to avoid hegemony, but actually ended up opening the door for British and US control. Is McCormick over simplifying the WW1 and WW2? Was German hegemony that much of a threat to the international balance of power that war was neccessary (especially if another country was simply going to take over that position)? Did the future hegemons realize that these wars would help them gain global power? McCormick does contend that "hegemony does not simply happen, individuals and group sof people make it happen." How then did the future hegemons ensure their power? (McCormick 5-7)
2) What were the chief obstacles to developing a "Pax Americana" in the 1920s? What prevented Secretary of State Hughes from achieving this goal? Have we ever been close to acheiving such a foreign policy environment since this effort? Could one develop in the future? What political/dipolmatic actions would have to be taken to encourage a Pax Americana? Is such a situation neccessary in today's globalized world? (McCormick 25-28)
3) To what extent do the orginal callings of Truman and the Truman Docterine effect foriegn policy today? Did the actions under these pretenses provide an approved course of governmental action abroad that we continue to use today? Does the logic Truman introduces ring true in today's society? (McCormick 75-78)