1. U.S.
and Middle East Relationship in the 1970s
The 1970s were marked by significant geopolitical shifts in the U.S.-Middle East relationship:
● Oil Dependency: The U.S. heavily depended on Middle Eastern oil, which was underscored by the 1973 oil
embargo by the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) in response to U.S. support
for Israel during the Yom Kippur War.
● Political Alliances and Conflicts: The U.S. supported Israel, leading to strained relations with Arab
nations. Simultaneously, the U.S. sought to maintain strategic alliances with key states like Saudi Arabia and
Iran under the Shah.
2. Political, Economic, and Social Concerns of the 1970s
● Political: The decade saw the end of the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and the resignation of
President Nixon.
● Economic: Stagflation (stagnant economic growth and high inflation) troubled the U.S. economy, worsened
by the 1973 oil crisis.
● Social: Civil rights movements continued, with increased focus on gender equality and environmentalism.
3. Impact of OPEC on U.S. Economy and Politics
● Economy: The oil embargo led to fuel shortages, long gas lines, and a spike in oil prices, contributing to
inflation and economic stagnation.
● Politics: Energy policy became a critical issue, leading to initiatives like the establishment of the Strategic
Petroleum Reserve and the Department of Energy.
4. U.S. Foreign Policy Relationship with Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean,
and the Middle East
● Africa: Focused on countering Soviet influence and supporting decolonization efforts.
● Europe: Strengthened NATO alliances during the Cold War.
● Latin America: Engaged in Cold War interventions, notably in Chile (supporting the coup against Allende)
and Nicaragua (supporting Contra rebels).
● Caribbean: Involvement included the Grenada invasion (1983).
● Middle East: Continued focus on securing oil interests and supporting Israel while managing relations with
Arab states.
5. Impact of Globalization in the 1980s
● Economic Integration: Increased international trade and investment, driven by neoliberal economic
policies.
● Technological Advancements: Growth in information technology and telecommunications facilitated global
connectivity.
● Cultural Exchange: Greater cultural diffusion and the spread of American pop culture.
6. Political, Economic, and Social Concerns of the 1980s
● Political: Reaganomics, anti-communism, and the end of the Cold War.
● Economic: Deregulation, tax cuts, and increased military spending led to economic growth but also rising
deficits and income inequality.
● Social: The AIDS crisis, War on Drugs, and continued civil rights struggles.
7. Immigration Policy from 1950-1990
● 1950s-60s: Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 maintained quotas, but the Civil Rights Movement
began pushing for changes.
● 1965: Immigration and Nationality Act abolished quotas, emphasizing family reunification and skilled
immigrants.
● 1980s: Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 aimed to curb illegal immigration and provided amnesty
for certain undocumented immigrants.
8. Impact of Trade Organizations on the United States
● GATT/WTO: Promoted free trade, leading to increased international trade and economic growth.
● NAFTA: Boosted trade between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, impacting various industries and labor
markets.
9. Political, Economic, and Social Concerns of 1990-Present
● Political: Post-Cold War adjustments, War on Terror, polarization, and technological impact on politics.
● Economic: Globalization, economic crises (e.g., 2008 financial crisis), and the rise of the tech economy.
● Social: Issues like healthcare, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and systemic racism.
10. Impact of Globalization on the U.S. in the 21st Century
● Economy: Outsourcing, offshoring, and the rise of multinational corporations.
● Culture: Increased cultural diversity and influence of global media.
● Politics: Greater emphasis on international cooperation and trade agreements, along with backlash and
protectionist sentiments.
11. Effects of Foreign and Domestic Terrorism on the U.S.
● Foreign: 9/11 attacks led to the War on Terror, increased security measures, and foreign policy shifts.
● Domestic: Rise in domestic terrorism has influenced national security policies and public discourse.
12. Controversy Surrounding Nuclear Weapons in Asia and the Middle East
● Asia: North Korea's nuclear program has been a significant concern, leading to international sanctions and
negotiations.
● Middle East: Iran's nuclear ambitions have led to tensions, culminating in the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA)
and ongoing disputes.
13. Changes in Immigration Policy and Attitudes (1990-2012)
● 1990s: Increased border enforcement and policies like the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant
Responsibility Act of 1996.
● 2000s: Post-9/11 security measures and debates over comprehensive immigration reform.
● 2010s: DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and continued polarization over immigration policy.
14. Role of the U.S. in Global Human Rights Policy
● Advocacy: Promoting democracy and human rights globally through diplomacy, aid, and intervention.
● Controversies: Criticisms of double standards and inconsistencies in human rights policies, especially
regarding strategic allies.
