7.4 Foreign Policy and National Security

Foreign policy and national security are crucial aspects of U.S. governance. They shape America's role on the global stage, balancing national interests with international responsibilities. From economic prosperity to military might, these policies impact every American's life.

The government faces tough choices in crafting foreign policy. Balancing security with civil liberties, promoting democracy abroad while maintaining alliances, and navigating complex international organizations all present ongoing challenges for policymakers.

U.S. Foreign Policy Goals

National Security and Economic Prosperity

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• U.S. foreign policy guided by four main goals shape international relations and domestic priorities
  • National security protects U.S. territories, citizens, and allies from external threats
  • Military superiority and strategic deterrence maintain global power balance
  • Economic prosperity promotes free trade and secures access to global markets
  • Safeguards U.S. economic interests abroad through trade agreements (USMCA)
• National security objectives include:
  • Protecting against terrorism and cyber attacks
  • Maintaining nuclear deterrence capabilities
  • Strengthening alliances with key partners (NATO countries)
• Economic goals focus on:
  • Negotiating favorable trade deals to boost U.S. exports
  • Protecting intellectual property rights of U.S. companies
  • Ensuring stable global financial markets (through IMF participation)

Democracy Promotion and Global Cooperation

• Promotion of democracy and human rights advances U.S. values worldwide
  • Supports democratic institutions in developing countries
  • Advocates for civil liberties and opposes authoritarian regimes
  • Provides foreign aid to promote good governance (USAID programs)
• Global cooperation addresses transnational issues through multilateral efforts
  • Climate change mitigation (Paris Agreement)
  • Counter-terrorism initiatives (Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS)
  • Cybersecurity cooperation (Budapest Convention on Cybercrime)
  • Pandemic response and prevention (World Health Organization)
• U.S. maintains and expands global influence through:
  • Diplomatic relations with nearly 200 countries
  • Cultural exchanges (Fulbright Program)
  • Strategic alliances and security partnerships (U.S.-Japan Security Treaty)

Executive vs Legislative Roles in Foreign Policy

Executive Branch Authority

• President leads foreign policy formulation and implementation
  • Negotiates treaties with foreign nations
  • Conducts diplomacy as head of state
  • Serves as Commander-in-Chief of armed forces
  • Deploys troops subject to War Powers Resolution constraints
• State Department manages day-to-day foreign policy operations
  • Headed by Secretary of State, chief foreign affairs adviser to President
  • Maintains diplomatic relations with other countries
  • Issues travel advisories and manages U.S. embassies abroad
• National Security Council coordinates foreign policy decisions
  • Chaired by President, includes key cabinet members and advisers
  • Analyzes foreign policy options and national security threats
  • Provides recommendations on major foreign policy decisions

Legislative Branch Oversight

• Congress shapes foreign policy through various constitutional powers
  • Declares war, authorizing use of military force (Iraq War Resolution 2002)
  • Ratifies treaties, requiring two-thirds Senate approval
  • Appropriates funds for foreign policy initiatives and military operations
• Senate confirms presidential appointments for key positions
  • Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, CIA Director
  • Ambassadors to foreign countries and international organizations
• Congressional oversight exercised through multiple mechanisms
  • Committee hearings on foreign policy issues
  • Investigations into foreign policy decisions or actions
  • Subpoena power to compel testimony from executive branch officials
• Legislative influence on foreign aid and sanctions
  • Authorizes and appropriates foreign assistance programs
  • Imposes or lifts economic sanctions on foreign countries (Iran sanctions)

International Organizations' Impact on U.S. Relations

Multilateral Diplomacy and Security

• United Nations serves as key forum for U.S. multilateral engagement
  • Allows coalition-building on global issues
  • Provides platform for collective security measures (UN Security Council)
  • Facilitates peacekeeping operations and humanitarian assistance
• NATO forms cornerstone of transatlantic security relationships
  • Ensures collective defense commitments (Article 5)
  • Coordinates military operations and training exercises
  • Addresses emerging security challenges (cyber threats, hybrid warfare)
• Arms control treaties impact U.S. strategic posture
  • New START Treaty limits U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals
  • Chemical Weapons Convention prohibits development and use of chemical weapons
  • Non-Proliferation Treaty aims to prevent spread of nuclear weapons

Economic and Environmental Cooperation

• International financial institutions provide platforms for U.S. economic influence
  • World Bank funds development projects in low-income countries
  • International Monetary Fund promotes global financial stability
  • World Trade Organization facilitates trade negotiations and dispute resolution
• Bilateral and multilateral trade agreements shape U.S. economic relationships
  • USMCA replaced NAFTA, governing North American trade
  • Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiated but later withdrawn from by U.S.
• Climate agreements affect U.S. environmental policies and global leadership
  • Paris Agreement sets targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  • Montreal Protocol addresses ozone depletion
  • Kyoto Protocol (U.S. did not ratify) set earlier climate change goals

Balancing Security and Liberties

Surveillance and Privacy Concerns

• Government surveillance programs raise privacy concerns
  • NSA bulk data collection revealed by Edward Snowden
  • Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) courts oversee intelligence gathering
  • Debate over encryption and government access to personal devices
• Anti-terrorism legislation expands government powers
  • USA PATRIOT Act enhanced surveillance and investigative abilities
  • Concerns about potential infringements on civil liberties and due process
  • Debate over sunset provisions and reauthorization of controversial sections
• Cybersecurity efforts conflict with individual privacy rights
  • Government attempts to access encrypted communications
  • Debate over backdoors in technology products
  • Balancing critical infrastructure protection with internet freedom

Civil Liberties and National Security Measures

• Enhanced interrogation techniques spark ethical and legal debates
  • Controversy over use of waterboarding and other harsh methods
  • Questions about effectiveness and compliance with international law
  • Impact on U.S. reputation and moral standing globally
• Immigration policies intersect with civil liberties concerns
  • Travel bans and extreme vetting procedures
  • Racial profiling allegations in border security measures
  • Rights of non-citizens in detention and deportation proceedings
• Press freedom challenged by national security considerations
  • Government classification of information limits public access
  • Treatment of whistleblowers (Chelsea Manning, Reality Winner)
  • Tension between transparency and protecting sensitive information
• Judiciary plays crucial role in reviewing executive actions
  • Supreme Court decisions on detainee rights (Hamdi v. Rumsfeld)
  • Federal court rulings on surveillance programs (ACLU v. Clapper)
  • Checks and balances on executive power in national security matters