Doctrine - GCSE History Definition

In GCSE History, a doctrine means an official policy or belief that guides how a country acts, especially in foreign affairs or during conflict. It’s like a set of rules or a message to the world about what a country stands for and how it will respond to threats. Examples of doctrines in the Cold War are the Truman Doctrine (1947) and the Carter Doctrine (1980). President Truman of the USA said America would help any country resist communism, especially after World War II. It marked the start of the policy of containment during the Cold War. President Carter said that the USA would use military force if necessary to protect its interests in the Persian Gulf after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Understanding doctrines helps students see how American foreign policy shaped global events, especially during the Cold War era.