What key U.S. foreign policy included the doctrine of preemptive strikes post-9/11?

The Bush Doctrine refers specifically to a shift in U.S. foreign policy following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Central to this doctrine was the idea of preemptive action, which holds that the U.S. would act against potential threats before they could materialize into greater dangers. This marked a significant change from previous policies that often emphasized containment or retaliation after an attack had occurred.

The Bush Doctrine was articulated clearly in the context of the War on Terror, justifying military action in countries perceived to harbor terrorist groups or seek weapons of mass destruction, notably leading to the invasion of Iraq in 2003. This proactive approach aimed to combat terrorism at its roots and prevent future threats from emerging, fundamentally reshaping U.S. foreign engagement and military strategy in the early 2000s.

Understanding the Bush Doctrine is critical in analyzing how U.S. foreign policy evolved in response to the dramatic changes in global security threats after 9/11, distinguishing it from earlier doctrines that were more focused on different geopolitical contexts.