Chapter 30,Section 2: American Leadership in a New World Main Idea: After the Cold War, the United States led the search for peace and stability in the world.

A. The Lone Superpower  After the break up of the USSR in 1991, ending the Cold War, the US remained the only superpower in the world.  Some Americans wanted the US to reduce its role in world affairs, while others wanted us to be even more of a leader  Presidents Bush & Clinton both increased our influence in other parts of the world.

B. Promoting Global Democracy  The US pushed for political & economic freedom around the globe, using diplomacy & military pressure.  Philippines - the US supported Corazon Aquino after Ferdinand Marcos was ousted  China – In 1989, students & workers staged a demonstration to bring democracy to China at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, but it was crushed by the military. Ever since, China has been under pressure to improve its human rights record, especially with the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.  North Korea –North & South Korea continue to oppose each other. In 2003, Kim Jong Il announced that North Korea would pursue a nuclear arms program (not good!)

· In 1983, U.S. troops seized control of the island and stayed until the people elected a government friendly to the U.S. · Communist extremists seized power in this small island nation with the help of Cuba. Invasion of Grenada

B. Continued  Cuba - Many Cubans fled in the ’90s as Cuba’s economy eroded after the fall of the USSR. The US continues a 50 year old trade embargo against Castro.  South Africa – had enforced apartheid (strict separation of races) since Even though majority of country was black, they had no say in the government & were segregated. In 1986, US used economic sanctions (measures aimed at making a country change its policy) to pressure South Africa to end apartheid. In 1994, all races in South Africa could vote for the 1 st time, electing Nelson Mandela, a black man who spent 27 years in prison for opposing apartheid.

Clashes in Panama Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega was accused by the U.S. of helping South American drug lords smuggle cocaine into the U.S.

C. Russia & Eastern Europe  Many former communist countries struggled to adjust to new economies (high inflation & unemployment)  Boris Yeltsin & Vladimir Putin lead new Russia  Civil War in Bosnia – Croatia & Bosnia tried to break away from Yugoslavia, but Serbia tied to prevent this. After 4 yrs of civil war, US sent troops to restore order  Crisis in Kosovo – Albanians also tried to win independence from Serbia. After Serbs attacked Kosovo, US bombed Serbia, forcing them out of Kosovo.

· At the conclusion of the war, Pres. Clinton sent 20,000 U.S. troops to Bosnia in order to help keep the peace. Civil War in Yugoslavia

D. Easing Conflict Elsewhere  Somalia, Africa – US/UN tied to end civil war & famine there, but failed & withdrew after hostilities in Mogadishu (Black Hawk Down)  Northern Ireland – Catholics wanted to reunite w/ Ireland; Protestants wanted to stay under British rule. After 3000 die in fighting, US helps push for peace settlement.

E. The Threat of Nuclear Arms  After collapse of USSR, other countries looked to develop nuclear weapons programs: rivals India & Pakistan test own weapons, starting a new arms race  START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) signed in ’91 by US & former USSR to reduce nuclear weapons by both. In ’02, Bush & Putin agree to reduce by over half over 10 yrs