Hope Rhind ’24
Analyzing and Understanding America’s Foreign Policy Decisions and Strategies Throughout the Bosnian War
Hope Rhind ’24, Global Studies
Oral Presentation: Wednesday, April 24, 4:12 p.m.
This paper explores the evolution of American foreign policy in the Balkans in the years preceding the Dayton Accords. Specifically, it examines the progression from America’s position of nonintervention to a role of leadership in ending the conflict. Key factors discussed include the inadequacy of early U.S. policies in the region, mounting pressure to end the violent conflict, the value placed on the NATO organization and relationship by the Clinton administration, and the unwavering commitment to keep American troops out of the conflict. This paper seeks to highlight the intricate interplay between international commitments and domestic concerns and applies what is discovered to other international crises. The analysis provided underscores the integral role alliance politics and U.S. global dominance plays in the formulation and execution of its foreign policy.
