America's Foreign Policy Practice Ecam

The decision to scale back the UN compared to Franklin D. Roosevelt's original vision largely stemmed from fears regarding US involvement in world governance. After World War II, there were significant concerns among American leaders and the public about the implications of committing to international organizations and the extent of US sovereignty that might be compromised. Roosevelt envisioned a strong and influential UN that would play a central role in global governance, but many worried that such a commitment could entangle the US in foreign conflicts and limit its autonomy in domestic affairs.

This sentiment reflected a broader isolationist attitude prevalent in American society at the time, where there was a desire to avoid the mistakes that led to the United States' involvement in World War I. As a result, the UN was designed with more limited powers and functions, focusing primarily on peacekeeping and diplomacy rather than the strong institutional governance that Roosevelt had advocated. This cautious approach was meant to ensure that the US could maintain its independence while still engaging on the global stage.