The Bushido code defined samurai ethics in feudal Japan, emphasizing loyalty, honor, and self-discipline. Its influence endures in modern Japanese culture and was compared to Western chivalry. Bushido’s strict moral standards have echoed in national identity and military values. More on Bushido
The Doctrine of Papal Supremacy, central to Roman Catholic theology, asserts that the Pope holds supreme authority over the entire Church. This principle has profoundly influenced Western Europe’s politics and society, particularly during the medieval period. It played a pivotal role in events such as the Crusades, the formation of nation-states, and conflicts with secular monarchs, shaping church-state relations that continue to evolve today. For a comprehensive understanding, refer to the Britannica entry on Papacy.
Promoted by Nazi Germany, Lebensraum (“living space”) justified expansion into Eastern Europe and underpinned aggressive military campaigns. Its catastrophic consequences included the displacement and deaths of millions. Lebensraum remains a grim example of how doctrines can rationalize atrocity. (encyclopedia.ushmm.org)
Manifest Destiny was a 19th-century U.S. doctrine asserting that expansion westward was both justified and inevitable. This belief drove the annexation of vast territories, confrontations with indigenous peoples, and the shaping of modern America. Its cultural echo is still felt. (history.com)
Originating in ancient Indian religions, Ahimsa promotes nonviolence toward all living beings. Central to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, it shaped social movements and national identity, influencing politics and inspiring global leaders. It’s significant in India and other nations in South Asia.
In 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt expanded the Monroe Doctrine by introducing the Roosevelt Corollary, asserting the United States’ right to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability and prevent European intervention. This policy justified U.S. actions in the Caribbean and Central America, positioning the nation as a regional police power. Its implementation led to military interventions in countries like the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, significantly influencing inter-American relations. (history.state.gov)
The Domino Theory was a Cold War-era geopolitical concept suggesting that the fall of one nation to communism would lead to a chain reaction, causing neighboring countries to follow suit. This theory significantly influenced U.S. foreign policy, particularly during the Vietnam War, where it was used to justify American intervention in Southeast Asia (history.com). However, the theory’s validity has been widely discredited, as the anticipated widespread spread of communism did not occur.
Popularized by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson after World War I, the Self-Determination Doctrine asserted that peoples have the right to choose their sovereignty and political status without external interference. This principle reshaped borders in Europe and inspired decolonization movements worldwide. However, its application was selective, often excluding colonies under European powers. The doctrine’s legacy is complex, having both facilitated the emergence of new nations and contributed to conflicts over national identity and borders. (pesd.princeton.edu)
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