Chapter 22Foreign Policy and National

Defense

"No foreign policy—no matter how ingenious—has any chance of success if it is born in the minds of a few and carried in

the hearts of none.“ (Henry Kissinger)

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What Is Foreign Policy?

Foreign policy is a country’s official principles, positions, and procedures for dealing with powers outside its borders.

In contrast, domestic policy is the government’s response to problems at home.

Foreign policy has an outwardfocus.

Domestic policy has an inwardfocus.

Types of Foreign Policy Crisis policy focuses on imminent threats to our national interests or

values. Ex: Reponses to terrorism.

Strategic policy is the basic U.S. position toward another country or region or to a particular policy. Ex: Operation to bring down a foreign government.

Structural defense policy relates to defense spending and military power. Ex: Building more fighter jets, interstate highways, etc.

Economic policy affects the growth and health of the nation’s economy.

• United States main goal is unrestricted trade.

• Trade Surplus- Exports is greater than imports

• Trade Deficit- Imports is greater than exports

• NAFTA- Free-trade agreement between US, Canada, Mexico

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U.S. Foreign Policy Goals

U.S. foreign policy has three basic goals:

• Security: Defend the homeland

• Economic: Encourage the growth of the U.S. economy

• Political: Support democracy around the world

US holds a global role in the world

US is active in foreign affairs

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Your Turn

When the United States enters into talks about trade and import/export policies with another country,

it is engaging in which one of the following kinds of policy?

a. Crisis policyb. Strategic policyc. Structural defense policyd. Economic policy

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Who MakesU.S. Foreign Policy?

Many agencies contribute to the formation of U.S.

foreign policy. However, the president is most likely to set the foreign

policy agenda.

The President and U.S. Foreign Policy

The president’s role in U.S. foreign policy includes:

• Get’s foreign policy power from the Constitution

• Making treaties with other countries (Those treaties must then be approved by two-thirds of the Senate.)

• Making executive agreements with the heads of state of other nations

• Acting as commander in chief to lead the military

• Usually the one who makes decisions regarding foreign policy.

• Has the most power to influence foreign policy.

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Key Contributors to U.S. Foreign Policy

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Additional Contributors to U.S. Foreign Policy

Additional Contributors to U.S. Foreign Policy

Executive office in general holds the most power.

• Ex: Vice President more likely to be apart of a National Security Council than others.

Congress participates in U.S. foreign policy through:

• Control over funding for foreign policy actions

• The power to declare war

• Senate approval of presidential treaties

Additional Contributors to U.S. Foreign Policy

The Commerce and Treasury Departments contribute to foreign economic policy.

The Department of Labor addresses global labor issues.

The Department of Agriculture promotes U.S. products internationally.

State Department in charge of foreign affairs. Has embassies in other countries.

Defense Department manages the armed forces.

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Organizations/Corporations

Intergovernmental Organizations: Ex. United Nations

Coalition of country leaders establishing international unity.

Creates international laws. But real power is determined by the military.

Nongovernmental Organization: Ex. Greenpeace

No governmental affiliation, but can play an important role in aiding government and society.

Multinational corporation: Ex. Microsoft

Does business is in multiple countries

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A Historical Look at U.S. Foreign Policy

Before and after World War I, the United States generally believed in isolationism (staying out ofinternational affairs).

World Wars I and II forced the United States to shift its policy to interventionism (actively tryingto shape international events).

U.S. is active in foreign affairs.

During the cold war, after WWII, the USfollowed a policy of containment(trying to prevent the spreadof a particular political principle). In this case, communism. George Bush also promoted this concept by spreading democracy.

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Your Turn

“The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is, in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little political connection as possible. So far

as we have already formed engagements let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop.”

(Farewell Address, George Washington)

What would Washington say about all the contributors to U.S. foreign policy today? Be prepared to support your

response.

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Your Turn

Match each scenario with the type of foreign policy that it describes.

Foreign Policya. Isolationismb. Interventionismc. Containment

Scenario1. Country 1 sends troops to assist

Country 2 when Countries 2 and 3 are at war.

2. Country 1 pays Country 2 to not adopt Country 3’s political philosophy.

3. Country 1 does not get involved when Countries 2 and 3 go to war.

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Military Force and U.S. Foreign Policy

The use of military force inforeign policy can createclashes between Congressand the president.

In 1973, Congress passed theWar Powers Act, which limitsthe president’s ability to sendtroops into military actionwithout congressional approval.

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Pressures on U.S. Foreign Policy

Global pressures:

• Anarchy of the international system

• The balance of power between nations

• Economic interdependence of nations- Policy makers encourage trade to help each other and other nations

Domestic pressures:

• Public opinion

• The media

• Interest groups

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Foreign Policy Strategies

Deterrence is used to prevent a foreign power from taking an action the United States does not want to occur.

Coercion (persuasion or force) is used to make a foreign power act a certain way.

Preemption is used to strike an enemy before it strikes the United States. (George W. Bush felt that the United States could not wait for our enemies to attack, he authorized this to attack terrorism.)

Foreign Policy Tools Political tools include:

• Propaganda, which influences the attitudes and beliefs of others. Political tool.

• Media’s strong role in providing information.

• Diplomacy, which involves formal communication and negotiation between countries. Attempt to solve a conflict with another country using negotiations and other peaceful tactics.

• Covert operations,which are secret actions that can include military and political exercises

Foreign Policy Tools Economic tools include:

• Foreign aid, which is economic assistance given to another country

• Ex: Marshall Plan- after WWII to rebuild war-torn Europe• Economic sanctions, which restrict trade and are used to punish or

pressure other countries

• Free trade means not restricting imports. Part of capitalism which US hopes will promote democracy

• Restrictions on imports are designed to help domestic producers Military tools include:

• Troops sent to a region in which the United States has interests

• Preemptive strikes & responses to attacks

Foreign Policy Agencies and Groups

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

• responsible for overseeing intelligence and participating in overseas secret activities

Department of Homeland Security- task of preventing attacks within our nation.

National Security Agency (NSA)

• responsible for breaking codes and monitoring satellite communications

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Foreign Policy Issues Terrorism has resulted in an increase in antiterrorism and

counterterrorism measures in U.S. foreign policy.

Terrorism seeks to create fear.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) embodies the free trade versus protectionism debate.

• USA, Mexico, and Canada

Not all conflicts have borders. Examples:

• Environmental issues

• Drug trade

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U.S. Foreign Policy and NATO

George W. Bush and the Secretary of NATO, 2002

Agreement to protect against the Soviet Union

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Your Turn

Rank the following U.S. foreign policy tools from most to least useful, with most useful being number 1. Be prepared

to discuss your choices.

a. Propagandab. Diplomacyc. Covert operationsd. Foreign aide. Economic sanctions