Analyzing the US Superpower Confrontation in the Vietnam War Era

This essay delves into the US's role as a superpower during the Vietnam War, examining the context of the Cold War and the strategic concerns that led to US involvement. It explores the Domino Theory, the US's efforts to contain communism, and the impact of the conflict on the balance of power. The paper discusses the division of Vietnam, the support provided by communist countries, and the escalation of the war, including key events like the Tet Offensive. It also highlights the role of NATO and the US's global political and military presence. The conclusion emphasizes the US's power and influence, the indirect nature of the Cold War, and the long-term consequences of the conflict. The essay references key historical events and provides insights into the US's foreign policy during this era.

Running Head: Superpower Confrontation of US in Nuclear Age
SUPERPOWER CONFRONTATION OF US IN NUCLEAR AGE
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1Superpower Confrontation of US in Nuclear Age
Introduction
In 1954, when the Vietnamese defeated French then the country divided into two parts:
North Vietnam and South Vietnam. The Cold War of Vietnam was fought between the
government of South Vietnam and communist North Vietnam. Communist countries like Peoples
Republic of China and Soviet Union supported North Vietnam whereas South Vietnam was
supported by United State; an anti-communist country. The reason for the War is to prevent the
spread of communism, national fears that would result in a change in the balance of power all
over Asia (Crow et.al, 2019). This paper throws the light on the international superpower role of
the United States since World War II till present date and why did the U.S. enter in the Vietnam
cold war and what is the strategic concern to the War. Domino theory which was involved in
Vietnam cold war policy that suggests the communist nation government would easily lead a
communist acquisition in other neighboring countries (Robb & Gill, 2019).
Discussion
The Vietnam cold War can be contemplated as the proxy War held between the
south and North Vietnam. The United State and the Soviet Union do not directly go into the War;
instead, they supported each side in the War. But this Vietnam War created tension between the
United States and the Soviet Union between 1945 and 1991 (Del Pero & Romero, 2018). The
United States supported the Vietnam War, and the domino theory was established to prevent the
spread of communism. The basic principle was that the expansion of communism would be
spread throughout Asia if French Indo-china fell into the communist revolution (Robb & Gill,
2019). President John F. Kennedy persuaded that communist China was supporting North
Vietnam. So he approved the U.S Military campaign in South Vietnam to help the nationalist

2Superpower Confrontation of US in Nuclear Age
government to kick out the communist rebellion. In 1965, U.S military began bombing in North
Vietnam to weaken the support Soviet Union is providing to South Vietnam, and the
communism is withdrawn( McKercher, 2017). In 1968, Tet Offensive launched under General V.
Nguyen Giap, and the surprise attack aimed to bring out the stalemate situation in Vietnam as the
U.S led troops also collapsed. South Vietnam enjoys the victory of the War as they managed to
strike back quickly. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was the first major non-
wartime alliance established by the U.S while competing with the Soviet Union. In Vietnam, the
U.S led to the tremendous growth of political presence and military presence all over the world
to intervene in the spread of communism (Ross, 2016). After the downfall of the Soviet Union,
the United States continued the alliance to secure peace and prosperity even after the threat from
Soviet has been withdrawn. Therefore the U.S is the world’s most pivotal power. The
superpower role of the U.S in the Vietnam War started after Second World War and during the
war it escalated into full commitment (Palmer et.al 2019). The involvement of the United States
in South Vietnam arises from the combination of colonial history of French in Indochina with the
US War with Japan.
Conclusion
From the above, it can be concluded that despite the indirect cold war led between the
Soviet Union and the U.S., America seems to be more powerful because the U.S mission were
carried at a compatible rate by sending the huge amount of military troops to the South Vietnam.
The main purpose was to restrict the communist expansion in rest of the neighboring Asian
countries as it might lead to the communist takeover in Malaya, Thailand, Laos and other
neighboring countries of Vietnam. This results in change of the balance of the power all over the
Asia. Due to this power the U.S was recognized as the policeman of the world.

3Superpower Confrontation of US in Nuclear Age
Reference
Crow, T., Levin, E., Nixon, M., Rosler, M., & Markoski, K. (2019). Artists Respond: American
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Del Pero, M., & Romero, F. (2018). The United States, Italy and the Cold War: Interpreting and
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McKercher, B. C. (2017). From détente to renewed Cold War, 1965–1979 Britain and American
involvement in Vietnam. In Britain, America, and the Special Relationship since
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