Module 6: Foreign Policy

American involvement in the international community has increased substantially from its initial stance of isolationism. From the Monroe Doctrine, through two world wars, the Truman Doctrine, and the War on Terror, American foreign policy has continually adapting to the challenges it faces. In modern times, U.S. foreign policy is generally focused on five goals:

• protect national security;
• encourage free trade;
• promote world peace;
• promote democratic values; and
• advance international cooperation.

To achieve these goals, the U.S. government utilizes a mixture of diplomatic, economic, and military tools.The President is the primary person responsible for designing foreign policy, and is assisted by the Department of State, the Department of Defense, the CIA, and the National Security Council. Presidential treaties are subject to the power of judicial review and may be ruled unconstitutional, but the judicial branch is otherwise limited in its ability to influence foreign policy. The legislative branch also has limited power to set foreign policy, but it does have the authority to declare war and withhold or grant funding to foreign policy efforts.

The main influences on foreign policy come from public opinion and the international community. Unpopular foreign policy decisions lead to negative public opinion, which can jeopardize a President’s odds for reelection. When a new President is elected, there is a new person in charge of foreign policy. Many nations in the international community are members of intergovernmental organizations, like the United Nations, which attempts to maintain peace and stability around the world. Economic organizations also work to achieve stability through the promotion of free trade.