17.1 Defining Foreign Policy

U.S. foreign policy shapes America's role on the world stage. It covers national security, economic interests, and promoting democracy abroad. Unlike domestic policy, which deals with internal issues, foreign policy focuses on relationships with other countries and global challenges.

Foreign policy approaches range from isolationism to active international engagement. Key challenges include managing relations with China, combating terrorism, and addressing climate change. Balancing domestic needs with global commitments is an ongoing struggle in shaping effective foreign policy.

Defining Foreign Policy

Foreign vs domestic policy

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• Foreign policy involves actions and policies of a nation's government regarding other nations and entities beyond its borders focuses on building and maintaining relationships with other countries to promote national interests, security, and economic prosperity in the global arena (trade agreements, military alliances)
• Domestic policy encompasses actions and policies of a nation's government within its own borders deals with internal issues such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social welfare aimed at improving the well-being and development of the nation's citizens and institutions (social security, tax policy)

Objectives of U.S. foreign policy

• Ensuring national security by protecting the nation's territorial integrity and sovereignty, countering threats from hostile nations, terrorist groups, and other adversaries (North Korea, ISIS), and maintaining a strong military presence and capabilities
• Promoting economic prosperity through securing access to international markets and resources, negotiating favorable trade agreements and reducing trade barriers (NAFTA, TPP), encouraging foreign investment and protecting U.S. business interests abroad
• Advancing democratic values and human rights by supporting the spread of democracy and democratic institutions worldwide, advocating for human rights and condemning human rights abuses, providing aid and assistance to nations in need or facing humanitarian crises (foreign aid)
• Maintaining global stability and order through engaging in diplomacy and multilateral cooperation to resolve conflicts, participating in international organizations and alliances (UN, NATO), and addressing global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and nuclear proliferation
  • Utilizing deterrence strategies to prevent aggression and maintain peace

Foreign Policy Approaches and Challenges

Types of foreign policy approaches

• Isolationism minimizes involvement in international affairs and focuses on domestic concerns, avoiding alliances and commitments that may entangle the nation in foreign conflicts (pre-WWII U.S. policy)
• Internationalism actively engages in international affairs and cooperates with other nations to promote global stability, economic interdependence, and collective security (post-WWII U.S. policy)
• Realism prioritizes national interests and power in a competitive international system, emphasizing military strength, strategic alliances, and balance of power (Cold War era)
• Idealism pursues moral and ethical principles in foreign policy, such as promoting democracy and human rights, believing in the power of international law, institutions, and cooperation to achieve common goals (Wilson's Fourteen Points)

Challenges in U.S. foreign policy

• Rise of China as a global power competing with China for economic and political influence in Asia and beyond, addressing concerns over China's military modernization and assertive behavior (South China Sea disputes)
• Threats from non-state actors and asymmetric warfare combating international terrorism and extremist groups (ISIS, Al-Qaeda), dealing with cyber threats, propaganda, and disinformation campaigns
• Managing relations with adversaries and allies navigating complex relationships with countries like Russia, Iran, and North Korea, maintaining and strengthening alliances with traditional partners (NATO, Japan, South Korea)
• Addressing global health and environmental challenges responding to pandemics and public health emergencies (COVID-19), tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development (Paris Agreement)
• Balancing domestic priorities with international commitments allocating resources and attention between domestic and foreign policy issues, building public support for foreign policy decisions and actions

Globalization and Geopolitics

• Understanding the impact of globalization on international relations and economic interdependence
• Analyzing geopolitical factors that influence foreign policy decisions and global power dynamics
• Implementing economic measures like sanctions to influence other nations' behaviors
• Respecting the sovereignty of other nations while pursuing foreign policy objectives