Implementing Foreign Policy

You have learned what America’s foreign policy goals are, how they are decided, and how they are implemented. When dealing with other nations, the United States focuses on encouraging free trade, promoting world peace, protecting other nations from aggression, and promoting democratic values. The U.S. is also concerned with advancing international cooperation and protecting its national security. These goals can be achieved through a mixture of diplomatic, economic, and military tools. As the Chief Diplomat, it is up to the President of the United States to decide which of these tools to use. The President is the main influence on American foreign policy, but the legislative branch and judicial branch have some influence as well. The Chief Executive’s foreign policy decisions are also influenced domestically by public opinion, and internationally by other governments and organizations.