Current Events and U.S. Diplomacy A doctrine is a set of principles or practices applied to a particular situation, region, or government. American presidents tend to set foreign policy doctrine. They may do it alone, or, more likely, with the help of advisers within their administration. National tradition -- such as U.S. support for global democracy -- may form the basis of a doctrine. Presidents, or perhaps secretaries of state, may formally announce a doctrine, such as Harry Truman did with his well-known platform. However, journalists and historians may have to sift through administration statements, documents, and actions to define a doctrine. That is the case with the Obama Doctrine (if, indeed, such a thing exists). Doctrines tend to become less important with time as the circumstances which necessitated them end or change. The Reagan Doctrine and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan: Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States. His famous doctrine came in to effect in 1981 and lasted till 1989 which played a significant key role for the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Reagan doctrine was the expansion of his predecessor President Carter’s doctrine. An article by Charles Krauthammer in NY Times magazine states “The Reagan Doctrine proclaims overt and unashamed American support for anti-Communist revolution” (Krauthammer, 1985). As it proclaimed, the Reagan Doctrine delivered what it promised, support of the Afghan freedom fighters (mujahedeen) to over throw Soviet Regime and end the illegal occupation of Soviets in Afghanistan.The Reagan Doctrine was very important because it defined American interests around the globe and its determination of preventing communism from expanding.
