A country’s foreign policy defines how it interacts and influences other countries in the world. It can include diplomatic relations, trade and economic relations, security relations, military alliances, foreign aid, and addressing global issues such as environmental problems and terrorism. It can also include waging war as a last resort when diplomacy fails.
The president is the primary decision maker for foreign policy, but he or she must consult Congress, think tanks, international organizations, and private citizens. Foreign policy involves a lot of moving parts, and changes in administration can result in significant shifts in policy. But, McKean says, “there are limits to how much change you can have.”
The debate about American policy centers on assessments of the fundamental factors that shape the nation’s approach to the world. Americanists emphasize American primacy, believing that America’s power requires a willingness to go it alone when necessary. Globalists, on the other hand, believe that America cannot solve the challenges of our time unless it works with other countries to spread market democracies and address issues such as climate change.
Foreign policy has far-reaching consequences. From the food we eat to the electronics we purchase, many goods and services are made in places that depend on U.S. support, whether through direct investment or negotiating trade agreements. In addition, the stability of the United States’ allies and trading partners depends on good foreign policy. The success of the Obama administration’s strategy to promote democracy in Europe and Asia, for example, relied on engaging with nondemocratic leaders in a way that maximized good will while minimizing bad feelings.
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