Geopolitical Containment During The Cold War

For more than two centuries, Russia and the United States have shared a diplomatic relationship. Whether that involved trading or the military. Foreign relations between the former Soviet Union and the United States were driven by a complex set of ideologies, political agendas, and economic factors, which led to the superpower rivalry that has been on display over the past two-hundred years. Presidents from both nations have been involved, from President Ronald Reagan to most recently, President Barack Obama. For Russia, the most well-known leader was Vladimir Putin, the “geopolitical wrecking ball.” According to: Bush and Putin’s Tentative Embrace, the emerging partnership between the United States and Russia is the most significant geopolitical
In 1946, in his famous “Long Telegram,” George Keenan (diplomat) explained the policy: “The Soviet Union, he wrote was a “political force committed fanatically to the belief that with the U.S. there can be not permanent modus vivendi.” As a result, America’s only choice was the long-term, patient but firm and vigilant containment of Russian expansive tendencies.” President Harry Truman was the first American president to fight the Cold War. He used several policies, however the most famous was the Truman Doctrine. This plan would give money and military aid to countries threatened by communism. The Truman Doctrine stopped communists from taking control of Greece and Turkey. Similarly, the Marshal Plan strengthened the economies and governments of countries in Western Europe.
In a declaration before Congress in 1947, President Harry Truman agreed and said: “It must be the policy of the United States to support free people’s wo are resisting attempted subjugation…by outside pressures.” This new way of thinking would shape foreign policy in the United States for decades. Over the years, leaders on both sides changed. Yet the Cold War continued. It would continue to be a huge force in world politics for most of the second half of the twentieth
Unlike Bush, Clinton wanted to focus on domestic affairs rather than solely on foreign affairs. In the years to come, Clinton learned to support Russian President, Boris Yeltsin’s policies, specifically his strong commitment to Russian democracy. During the seven years that the two were in office, they met eighteen times, more than prior presidents had met throughout the entire Cold War. Throughout the Clinton administration, U.S.- Russian relations were focused on the challenges of European security. Despite the challenges and disagreements both nations had, they still worked together on many things including space cooperation, eventually leading to the building of the International Space Station.
Before taking over as President, Vladimir Putin rose to the top of the ranks of the Russian government after joining President Boris Yeltsin’s administration in 1998, and became prime minister in 1999. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, he retired with the rank of colonel, and returned to becoming a liberal politician. In December of 1999 Yeltsin resigned as president, appointing Putin as president until official elections were held in early 2000. As President he sought to end corruption and create a strongly regulated market