National Security Strategies and Ideological Continuity: The U.S. From Truman to Trump: A Book Review

How can a nation so committed to be a leading democracy abroad struggle with inequality and unrest at home? The post-World War II era was significant for the U.S. and their powerful position in the world. By establishing significant security strategies primarily aiming to stop communism, evolved to even broader and stronger global ambitions. The transformation of U.S. strategic defense policies since World War II has profoundly shaped American foreign policy and influenced global politics. Following the most devastating war in the history of mankind, the U.S. authorities have faced numerous challenges such as the Cold War, the War on Terror, and other domestic problems while adopting new approaches towards national security and protecting its national interests. However, this pursuit of international dominance often revealed strong contradictions between America's global aspirations and its internal realities. In their monograph From Containment to Americanism, Ellias Aghili Dehnavi and Mohammad Alizadeh Jamal successfully show the relevance of the U.S. and their national security strategies, focusing on the transition From Containment to Americanism. The authors employ various methodology methods, including analytical descriptive studies, interviews with experts, and extensive library research. This multifaceted approach enables a thorough exploration of how U.S. policies have evolved over decades, shaped by both internal ideologies and external pressures. By delving into the ideological framework of Americanism, tracing its roots to foundational U.S. documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The perspective presents Americanism as a rationale for promoting democracy and freedom abroad. Through careful analysis, the authors reveal the nature of U.S. foreign policy—one characterized by expansive global ambitions supported by ideological principles, often at the expense of addressing internal challenges. By examining the historical complexities of U.S. strategies and their implications for contemporary politics, From Containment to Americanism reflects on the balance between America's role as a global leader and the challenges it faces domestically.