This paper seeks to contribute to the literature concerning the relationship between the United States and the Netherlands during the Vietnam War. Specifically, it examines government relations in...Show moreThis paper seeks to contribute to the literature concerning the relationship between the United States and the Netherlands during the Vietnam War. Specifically, it examines government relations in the context of the Tet Offensive. The offensive had a transformative effect on American domestic politics, as Lyndon B. Johnson decided not to seek another term as President of the United States and because America decided to de-escalate the Vietnam War. As such, this paper explores how a combination of American foreign and domestic policy affects the relationship with the Netherlands. The majority of the existing literature is written in the 1980s and therefore, deserves an update. Moreover, current scholarship is predominantly focused on the domestic consequences for the Netherlands, and thus often falls short of describing the American perspective on the Vietnam War. This thesis sets itself apart by specifically examining the relationship between the United States and the Netherlands. Through an extensive analysis of American, Dutch, and South Vietnamese sources this paper will argue that the direct consequences of the Tet Offensive did not significantly affect American-Dutch relations. However, indirect consequences, such as Johnson’s withdrawal from politics, de-escalation of the Vietnam War, and Vietnamisation of the conflict, substantially influenced the relationship between the United States and the Netherlands. Whilst relations between the two countries undoubtedly remained good, the context of the Tet Offensive serves to characterise changing dynamics with which policymaking took place, as the Netherlands took more initiative in maintaining its relationship with the United States.Show less
Afghanistan has been a place of importance for the US in particular since 2001 when the US invaded the country after the start of the war on terror. The US involvement however has not only had an...Show moreAfghanistan has been a place of importance for the US in particular since 2001 when the US invaded the country after the start of the war on terror. The US involvement however has not only had an impact on the country itself, but also affected the geopolitics of the region. Specifically, with regards to Afghanistan's neighbours of China, Iran, and on the India-Pakistan dynamic. This paper explores these relationships and concludes that despite their differences in regional goals, all countries involved benefit from a stable Afghanistan.Show less
The United States and the Soviet Union divided the world into two hemispherical sides during the Cold War. Foreign relations between these two nations were of great importance, as was understanding...Show moreThe United States and the Soviet Union divided the world into two hemispherical sides during the Cold War. Foreign relations between these two nations were of great importance, as was understanding them from their starting point until the end of the Cold War. The U.S., motivated by an 'us vs. them' dichotomy based on a great sense of mistrust and rivalry, employed various techniques to gather intelligence about their adversary, as did the Soviet Union. Espionage was one of these techniques. Despite its secretive nature, from time to time the American public found out about cases of espionage through the media. These cases oftentimes turned into scandals and impacted American society in various ways. For this thesis three cases were discussed that occurred at different times during the Cold War. The purpose of these cases of espionage is to find out how they were framed in the media and government propaganda in order for the Americans to influence foreign relations between them and the Soviets throughout the Cold War.Show less
