17.3 Institutional Relations in Foreign Policy

Foreign policy in the U.S. involves a complex interplay of institutions and actors. The President, Congress, State Department, Defense Department, and National Security Council all play crucial roles in shaping and implementing America's international strategies.

While the President holds significant power as chief diplomat and commander-in-chief, Congress also wields influence through its authority to declare war, approve treaties, and control funding. This system of checks and balances ensures a collaborative approach to foreign policy decision-making.

Institutional Roles in U.S. Foreign Policy

Power distribution in foreign policymaking

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• The President
  • Serves as the chief diplomat and commander-in-chief of the armed forces
  • Has the power to negotiate treaties (NATO) and executive agreements (Paris Climate Accord)
  • Can deploy military forces without congressional approval for limited periods (60-90 days)
• Congress
  • Has the constitutional power to declare war and regulate the armed forces
  • Approves treaties and controls funding for foreign policy initiatives (foreign aid)
  • Conducts oversight hearings and investigations into foreign policy matters
• The State Department
  • Manages day-to-day diplomatic relations and implements foreign policy decisions
  • Headed by the Secretary of State, who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate
  • Operates U.S. embassies and consulates abroad (U.S. Embassy in Beijing)
  • Engages in diplomacy to advance U.S. interests and maintain international relationships
• The Department of Defense
  • Responsible for developing and implementing military strategy and operations
  • Provides military advice to the President and Congress on foreign policy issues
  • Manages the U.S. armed forces and defense resources (U.S. Central Command)
• The National Security Council
  • Advises the President on foreign policy and national security matters
  • Coordinates the activities of various government agencies involved in foreign policy
  • Chaired by the President and includes key cabinet members and advisors (National Security Advisor)

Presidential influence in foreign policy

• Constitutional powers
  • The President is the sole representative of the nation in foreign affairs under the Constitution
  • Has the authority to negotiate treaties and executive agreements without congressional approval
  • Can deploy military forces without immediate congressional approval for limited periods
• Institutional advantages
  • The executive branch has access to vast amounts of information and expertise through intelligence agencies (CIA)
  • Can act quickly and decisively in response to international crises without consulting Congress
  • Controls the implementation of foreign policy through executive agencies and departments
• Political factors
  • Foreign policy issues often receive less public attention than domestic issues, giving the President more leeway
  • Congress may be more willing to defer to the President on foreign policy matters, especially during crises (9/11)
  • Presidents can use foreign policy successes to boost their political standing and legacy (Nixon's visit to China)

Congressional role in foreign policy

• Institutional constraints
  • Foreign policy is primarily the domain of the executive branch under the Constitution
  • Individual members have limited access to classified information and intelligence reports
  • Congress as a whole, rather than individual members, has the power to influence foreign policy through legislation and oversight
• Political considerations
  • Foreign policy issues may be less salient to constituents than domestic concerns, reducing incentives for members to engage
  • Members may lack expertise in foreign affairs and defer to the executive branch or specialized committees
  • Partisan polarization can make it difficult for Congress to reach consensus on foreign policy matters
• Procedural factors
  • Foreign policy legislation often originates in specialized committees (House Foreign Affairs Committee)
  • Floor debate and amendments on foreign policy bills may be restricted by House and Senate rules
  • Treaties require a two-thirds majority in the Senate for ratification, a high bar that can be difficult to reach

Key actors of U.S. foreign policy

• The President
  • Sets the overall direction and priorities of U.S. foreign policy
  • Negotiates treaties and executive agreements with foreign governments
  • Appoints key foreign policy officials, such as the Secretary of State and National Security Advisor
• The State Department
  • Manages diplomatic relations with foreign governments and international organizations (United Nations)
  • Provides policy advice and analysis to the President and Congress on foreign policy issues
  • Implements foreign policy decisions through a network of embassies and consulates abroad
• The Department of Defense
  • Develops and implements military strategy in support of foreign policy goals
  • Provides military capabilities and resources for foreign policy initiatives (peacekeeping operations)
  • Advises the President and Congress on military aspects of foreign policy
• The National Security Council
  • Coordinates the activities of various government agencies involved in foreign policy, including State and Defense
  • Provides policy advice and recommendations to the President on national security and foreign policy matters
  • Manages interagency policy development and crisis response (Syrian civil war)
• Congress
  • Approves treaties and international agreements negotiated by the President
  • Appropriates funds for foreign policy programs and initiatives, such as foreign aid and military operations
  • Conducts oversight of executive branch foreign policy activities through hearings and investigations (Benghazi)

Foreign Policy Fundamentals

• Foreign policy: The strategies and actions taken by a nation to interact with other countries and advance its national interests
• International relations: The study of interactions between nations, including diplomatic, economic, and military relationships
• Geopolitics: The analysis of how geographic factors influence political power and international relations
• National interest: The goals and objectives a country pursues to ensure its security, prosperity, and values
• Sovereignty: The principle that a nation has supreme authority within its borders and independence in its external affairs
• Multilateralism: The practice of coordinating policies among multiple countries, often through international organizations