**Title: Cold War Dynamics and the Evolution of U.S. Foreign Policy**
**Synopsis:**
In this lesson, we examined the progression of the Cold War, focusing on pivotal events and policy decisions that shaped U.S. foreign policy. Students explored the complexities of containment, the impact of various conflicts, and the interplay between ideological commitments and strategic interests.
**Attendance:**
– Number of students absent: 3 (Fatima Balooch, Amira, Rosa)
**Topics Covered:**
1. **Introduction to the Cold War Continuation**
– Recap of the post-WWII shift in U.S. global relations.
– Discussion on containment policy.
2. **Korean War**
– Analysis of the conflict as a test of containment.
– Impact on U.S. foreign policy.
3. **Cuban Missile Crisis**
– Exploration of the crisis as the peak of nuclear tension.
– Examination of the resolution and its effects on international relations.
4. **Saudi-U.S. Relations and the Petrodollar**
– Overview of the historical relationship.
– Significance of the petrodollar in establishing the U.S. dollar as the global currency.
5. **Detente and SALT**
– Understanding the relaxation of tensions and arms limitation agreements.
6. **Vietnam War and its Aftermath**
– Reflection on the war as a turning point in U.S. domestic and foreign policy.
7. **Soviet-Afghan War**
– Review of the conflict’s role in the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union.
**Actionable Items:**
– **Technical Issues:**
– Ensure Rosa’s internet issues are resolved for future classes.
– Address any connectivity problems to prevent disruptions.
– **Policy Analysis:**
– Encourage students to critically analyze the effectiveness of containment.
– Explore the long-term consequences of the petrodollar agreement.
– **Student Engagement:**
– Allocate time for online groups to present their perspectives.
– Provide further opportunities for students to discuss the implications of the Cold War events on current U.S. foreign policy.
**Homework:**
– Students are to write a role-play reflection paper on a major Cold War event, taking the perspective of a U.S. decision-maker at the time. The paper should critically analyze the decision-making process, the role, responsibilities, and limitations of the U.S., and reflect on the impact of these decisions. The paper is due on Tuesday, February 27th, and must follow the Chicago citation style.