US Policies in the Post-Cold War Era: An Indian Perspective

The 9/11 attacks on the US have forced the Americans to believe that the US secret service agencies are helpless against the attacks of the committed suicide squads. These attacks and the subsequent happenings in Afghanistan and Iraq have not only removed the illusion of post-Cold War peace, but also heightened uncertainty and insecurity in the world. ‘Operation Iraqi Freedom’ has given a clear message to the countries of the world that the US can go to any extent to protect its national interests even if the mandate of the world community is against such actions. The principles of sovereignty and the right of choosing one’s own government are not significant in the new US strategy, and it would have serious repercussions for all the states. These developments have forced scholars to explore the emerging trends of US foreign policy. As the US policies affect the foreign policies of almost all the other countries, an attempt has been made in this paper to provide an Indian perspective of the US foreign policy objectives, strategies and its role in the post-Cold War era.