Dominican Republic International Strategies Foreign Policy And National Security Affairs Essay

Dominican Republic is known to be one of the US Loyalists around the world today. Primarily, this is because of the fact that the United States has actually been involved in the huge part of the country’s history. As for now, the country is involved in a representative democracy status of governance. Guided primarily by the American government, the country is able to survive the challenges of the modern life in the industrial scene in the society today. A LAND rich in natural resources such as gold, iron, bauxite, marble and amber; a well-watered land that can sustain its population with its agricultural produce; a land that varies in climate from the hot, humid coastal region to the refreshing coolness of the mountains; a land of palm trees and blue skies; this is the Dominican Republic (Harvey, 2006, 19). Its area of 19,129 square miles constitutes two-thirds of the second-largest island of the Antilles group, a necklace of islands that spreads in an arc from the tip of the Florida Peninsula to Venezuela. Its highest mountain, Pico Duarte, rises 10,714 feet, like a sentinel guarding the outer perimeter of the Caribbean Sea. The earliest known inhabitants, Indian hunters, fishermen, farmers, have long since vanished from the scene, victims of the greed, the cruelty and the religious fanaticism of the Catholic â€Å"conquistadores† from Spain (Harvey, 2006, 19). Columbus came in 1492 and renamed this island of Quisqueya, as it was known, â€Å"La Espanola. † The capital, Santo Domingo, founded by his brother, Bartholomew, is said to be the oldest city in America, apart, that is, from the cities of the aboriginal inhabitants. (Matibag, 2003) The barbarities, hatreds, jealousies and violations of every Christian principle, which brought about the extinction of the Indians, long survived among a people kept in ignorance by the Roman Catholic Church, denied every opportunity to gain knowledge from God’s Word, the Bible. For over four hundred years the history of the territory has been a succession of intrigues, revolutions and wars. Even in more recent times little improvement could be noted. In the period between 1844 and 1916, for instance, fifty-six civil wars occurred. â€Å"To maintain domestic tranquillity† there was an American intervention in 1916 that lasted until 1924 (Moya Pons, 2001, 14). Next came six years of confusion under what was known as â€Å"the third republic,† and then the long period of dictatorship styled â€Å"the Era of Trujillo. † National Purpose It is the country’s admirable advocate to keep on striving for the best possible ways by which they could be given the chance to flourish amidst the growing international culture of worldwide brotherhood. Aside from simply being a part of the USA alliances, the Dominican Republic also aims to be independently known as a strong country on its own. (Zinn, 2003, 10) As for now though, the purpose of the country remains within the lines of consideration with which the American government had been providing them with (Zinn, 2003, 18). Likely, the thought is that the country remains to be under the care of the American control, whereas, to be able to survive in the process of global change, the country’s governance need to be strongly in obedience with that of the treaties that they have signed before the American government. Understandably, these treaties involve the free trade the both countries agreed to whereas the economic system of the country becomes highly dependent to the rules of international engagement that the American government has set for them. From this particular section of the discussion, it could be well noted that the government of Dominican Republic highly intend to secure the alliance that they have with the American government as it well provides them the protection that they need from the possible military attacks that might be caused by neighboring countries. To arm themselves of the necessary guidelines that they need to survive the globally connected manner of all other countries around the world, they are in dire need of assistance from larger countries such as that of the United States (Moya Pons, 2001, 18). This does not mean though that the country’s government is lame enough to handle its own issues or problems at that, rather, it is still not prepared enough to face the huge challenges of autonomous recovery from the history of wars and inequalities in their own society that they once experienced. Ideology It has been a plaguing fact in the society today to accept the fact that many individuals around the world are aiming to become just like the western races, primarily that of the Americans. The society making up the Dominican Republic is likely one among the many groups of people who actually want to embrace the culture of the west. In fact, many other countries are in the same line of thinking. The inviting culture of the American people has likely addressed many others in a well influential way that they are most affected by what they see through media, what they read through books and the internet and many others. Truly, United States and the culture it carries are most likely considered by many as today’s most flourishing civilization in the world. With the influence that they are making in the world through trade and entertainment, they are most often that not implying the thought of the need to become like them. As a result, immigrants from around the world choose to make decisions of moving in to the American Society and Americanize themselves as part of their so-called personal satisfaction on personal advancement. (Rawley, 2005, 19) Dominican Republicans actually follow the same path. At most, according to reports, at least 40% of the immigrants in America are likely from that particular area of the world (Zinn, 2003, 13). Undeniably, these statistics prove how much the people of Dominican Republic actually want to embrace the culture of their so-named â€Å"protectors†. It is through this that the modern day youth of the Dominica Republic know less of their original traditions and culture but well know of the American Society’s advancement as well as history and traditions. This is particularly the reason why the situation among the young generation of the said country is most likely focused upon making amends as to how they could serve the best possible way to at least get out of their country and transfer to the American regions. This has been most likely the plaguing situation among third world countries as Dominican Republic today(Moya Pons, 2001, 17). Therefore, aside from being under the American control, the people are also becoming highly familiar with the American society and are thus able to adjust within the society’s way of living. Considerably, as the global scene changes, it is understandably expected that the culture of the world changes as well specifically those of the countries which are primarily involved in lower economic status in the world market (Zinn, 2003, 18). Likely, the idea is that the weaker countries would intend to become much likely dependent on those of higher and stronger standards and governance in terms of social, economic as well as global status within the global relations of countries today. (Moya Pons, 2001, 15) National Interest It is every country’s goal to be able to sustain itself along with the people living within its area of concern. The government of Dominican Republics hopes to do the same thing. Even though most of their affairs both internal and external are controlled by the government of the United States of America, the said governance still wants to provide the best possible resources to their people at the best possible way that they can. (Harvey, 2006, 32) Understandably, the government of the said country continues to aim in making its own economic standing stable in the international scene thus engaging in different business investments that are most allowed by the treaties that they have further signed with other powerful governments around the world (Matibag, 2003, 45). Because of this process, the alliances of the country with others also stand as a major key factor with which it is able to establish fine connections with others thus safeguarding national interest and providing their stakeholders with the best possible values that they ought to receive. National Power The national power of the Dominican Republic actually depends on a much larger scope within the powers of the American provisions for the country’s protection. (Matibag, 2003, 19) Understandably, this may picture the said country in a less-able entity in the international state that makes it weaker in a sense in comparison with others. However, the real national power of the country relies on their people directly. True, because of economic dependence to the country towards the control of the United States, it could not be denied that they are viewed by many as the US alliance that continues to be allied with the country for the sake of protection. On the contrary though, the people of the said country are well spirited and the history attests to this fact. They are also capable of knowing when they are already oppressed and are thus moved to act towards those who might be in a position of oppressing them. (Zinn, 2003, 18) Threat The Dominican Republic’s Status in the International Trade is likely the weakest position of the country in the world today. It could be noted that their situation in the current status of international relations today is controlled by the huge governments that are considered powerful today. With this in mind, it could be described that one particular threat in the country is that their dependence in the powerful governments of the world today might bring them down as well in times of larger complexities that may occur between the relations that they establish with the said authoritative country governments (Matibag, 2003, 19). In terms of international relations, Haiti appears to be among the toughest threats that the country needs to face. According to reports, it is the connection between the two countries that serves as a major link of Dominican Republic to failure. Likely, as Haiti becomes one among the poorest countries around the world, Dominican Republic never cease to increase in terms of economic stability and power as it continues to stay in link with that of the American government (Harvey, 2006, 31). The issue is that as the other country survives, how well is it willing to support its neighboring country in its struggle for survival in a global challenge. Domestic factors The people of Dominican Republic are known for their friendliness and hospitality to foreign visitors. Their warmth in accepting tourists have actually made them and their country one of the most visited areas in the world. With the said attitude, the people of the said country are now known for their capability of handling the needs of the different nationalities visiting their area. Most likely, this particular character makes them one of the countries whose tourist businesses are really flourishing as assistance to the supposed growth of the economy of the country. Moya Pons, 2001, 54) As of now, the country is a host to multicultural society that welcomes a number of immigrants from around the world. Their asset of being much welcoming to others made the employment rate in the said country also handle some certain changes with regards balance and multiculturalism of culture. Over eight and half people reside in the country and at least 43% if these people belong to different races (Zinn, 2003, 18). Likely, the idea is that the country holds much asset in terms of handling multicultural society as they are at times becoming the host country to some other immigrants in the United States who are aiming to search for employment abroad. (Matibag, 2003, 23) Military Strategy Since the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, over thirty-two years ago, the United States has had just three years of peace where none of its military forces were in a conflict somewhere in the world. The other twenty-nine years saw U. S. servicemen active in such places as Korea, Congo, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Indochina (Harvey, 2006, 10). As one of the countries well assisted by the American government, Dominican Republic also owes its military strength to the guidelines of security that the American government suggests to the country. Today, there are at least 44,000 personnel in military force but only 70% of them are working for actual military practices. The other 30% percent are reserved for plain security activities as well as for social security programs provided by the government (Moya Pons, 2001, 28). IT is their military stance to handle certain difficulties along with the American government when certain situations arise. As for example, they are required to send in military assistance to other American alliances which are in crisis. International Strategy The country’s connection with the American government has given it a strong stand in the International picture of alliances with other continental governance. With the American government at its back, this country became one of the many dependents of US in terms of social and military influences. In accordance with this, the country intends to use their connection with America as a basis of their strength and power in the international relations and agreements. (Harvey, 2006, 19) To even strengthen their stand, Dominican Republic carried several policies that make their status in the global connections well recognized by other governments. However, because of the control that the American government has on their regulations with regards international connections, their alliances with others that are solely decided upon their own government become rather limited to certain chosen societies that are rather pre-approved by the regulations and treaties that they have signed with America (Matibag, 2003, 52). Foreign investments also become rather controlled by the American government thus making the economic growth of the country less likely to take huge leaps forward. Foreign Policy As mentioned further earlier, Dominican Republic is known for its connection with the American government. This includes the control than the country has upon Dominican Republic’s foreign policies. Most often than not too, the country usually handles several treaties with other neighboring countries to handle the protection that they need from being possibly competed with or attacked in any possible aspect of the country’s factoral measures for advancement (Sean, 2006, 59). However, in terms of investments and money issues, the government of Dominican Republic made it sure that they are able to protect their own businessmen’s capitals to their own industries as the law against money laundering had been established on October 2001. For this reason, it could be noted that most of the foreign policies that they impose during international relations activities are largely based upon the foreign trades that they are particularly involved with at the same time. (Zinn, 2006, 13) US Involvement with Dominican Republic Obviously, from the discussions mentioned within this study, the United States and its government has so much to do with whatever status Dominican Republic have today. Ever since the recovery of the country from the strife of the war years, the US government never ceased to assist the country for the sake of regaining the economic strength that they are supposed to attain to face the challenges of a more globally renowned relations in the society today. Furthermore, the 1906 50-year treaty between Dominican Republic and the United States has bonded the two countries making each other rather strongly and directly familiar with each others strengths and limitations (Matibag, 2003, 97). Each of which are able to handle in balance so as to handle as an ace to the relationship that they share. Understandably though, the cooperation that exists between the two countries remains to be the strongest link that connects them together for success. (Moya POns, 2001, 54) Summary Numerous precedents prove that when good international relations produce confidence, it may lead to some disarmament. General friendliness between Canada and the United States, for example, has meant that their 3,000 mile [5,000 km] border has been unprotected by armies for over one and a half centuries. Norway and Sweden have achieved a similar accord, as have many other nations. Could an agreement between all nations achieve a world without armies? With the horrors of World War I, the idea gained unprecedented popularity. (Matibag, 2003, 62) When peace was made in 1918, one of the purposes of the Versailles peace treaty was â€Å"to render possible the initiation of a general limitation of the armaments of all nations. † (Sean, 2006, 19) During the following years, pacifism became popular. Some pacifists theorized that war is the worst thing that can befall a nation and is therefore worse than suffering defeat. Opponents of pacifism disagreed, pointing out that over the centuries, Jews in large areas put up little armed resistance to attackers, yet cruel attempts to exterminate them continued. Africans had little opportunity to resist those who brought them as slaves to the Americas, and yet they were cruelly mistreated for centuries. With the outbreak of World War II, however, many pacifists concluded that countries need protection. So when the United Nations was established after World War II, the emphasis was less on disarmament and more on international cooperation to prevent aggression. The members hoped that the security thus provided would give nations confidence to disarm. Another problem became increasingly clear. Often the efforts of a nation to make itself secure made its neighbor feel insecure. This vicious circle led to an arms race. But more recently, improved relations between the major nations have strengthened the hope of disarmament. Since then, however, the Gulf War and the troubles in former Yugoslavia have dashed hopes of disarmament for many. About five years ago, Time magazine commented: â€Å"Though the cold war is over, the world has become a more, rather than less, dangerous place. † (As quoted by Moya Pons, 2001, 18) It has been noted through this study that the relationship of Dominican Republic with the huge powers of the world has been rooted from the fear of being unprotected from another whole range of war years as history posted on the pages of the said country’s history. It has been through this too that many other third world countries around the world seek the protection of larger controlling governments for the sake of feeling safely endowed within their protection although at times the said relations are rather disadvantageous on their part. Conclusion During the Spanish-American War of 1898 Britain and the United States drew still closer together. This is pointed out by the New Cambridge Modern History by G. N. Clark (2000), p. 580: â€Å"A war in which the United States was subsequently engaged with Spain cemented this feeling. The government and the people of the United States recognized the advantage which they derived from the goodwill of Great Britain in the hour of their necessity, and the two nations drew together as no other two nations had perhaps ever been drawn together before. † This close relationship has continued into the twentieth century, as we have seen, resulting in a dual world power. Showing that this world power still has a powerful position in world affairs, The Washington Post, in its issue of September 28, 1969, commented on the military presence of the United States in other countries (as quoted by Rawley, 2005, 32). It observed that this presence exists in sixty-eight foreign countries and then said: â€Å"Truly, the sun never sets on America’s bewildering military entanglements† (Clark, 2000, 87). Thus the influence of the Anglo-American world power is still felt world wide even though Great Britain no longer has the vast empire she once had. But now this influence is being challenged by the Communist nations. With this truth in mind, it should be understood why smaller and weaker countries such as the Dominican Republic actually console themselves to feel protected from the possible attack of larger countries against them in case complexities of international relations arise. References: Harvey, Sean (January 2006). The Rough Guide to The Dominican Republic. Rough Guides, 59. ISBN 1-84353-497-5. Matibag, Eugenio (2003). Haitian-Dominican Counterpoint: Nation, State, and Race on Hispaniola. Macmillan. ISBN 0312294328. Moya Pons, Frank. (2001). The Dominican Republic, A National History, 147-149. Zinn, Howard (2003). A People’s History of the United States 1492 – Present. HarperCollins, 7. ISBN 0060528427. Rawley, James A. ; Behrendt, Stephen D. (2005). The Transatlantic Slave Trade: A History. University of Nebraska Press, 49. ISBN 0803239610. G. N. Clark. (2000). New Cambridge Modern History. Cambridge University Press.