17 Foreign Policy

Balance of Power

A situation in which no one nation or region is much more powerful militarily than any other in the world.

Balance of Trade

The relationship between a country’s inflow and outflow of goods.

Cold War

The period from shortly after World War II until approximately 1989–1990 characterized by division between the Soviet Union and the United States and the fear of nuclear war.

Congressional Executive Agreement

An international agreement negotiated by the president and approved by a simple majority of the House and Senate, not requiring a treaty.

Containment

The effort by the United States and Western European allies to prevent the spread of communism during the Cold War.

Diplomacy

The establishment and maintenance of a formal relationship between countries.

Economic Sanction

A situation where countries suspend trade or financial relationships with another country to signal displeasure with its behavior.

Foreign Policy

A government’s goals in dealing with other countries and the strategies used to achieve them.

Free Trade

A policy allowing the unfettered flow of goods and services between a country and other nations.

Hard Power

The use or threat of military power to influence another country's behavior.

Isolationism

A foreign policy approach advocating a nation’s avoidance of foreign entanglements.

Liberal Internationalism

A foreign policy approach promoting proactive engagement in world affairs through cooperation among nations.

Neo-Isolationism

A policy of distancing the United States from international organizations while still participating in the global economy.

Neoconservatism

The belief that the United States should aggressively use its power to promote its values and ideals globally.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

A military organization formed to maintain stability in Europe, with bases in Belgium and Germany.

Protectionism

A policy that restricts foreign goods and services from entering a country or imposes high tariffs on them.

Selective Engagement

A policy of maintaining a strong military presence and remaining engaged globally.

Soft Power

Nonmilitary tools used to influence another country, such as economic sanctions.

Sole Executive Agreement

An international agreement negotiated and approved by the president acting alone, not requiring a treaty.

Treaty

An international agreement requiring presidential negotiation, consent from two-thirds of the Senate, and final ratification by the president.

Two Presidencies Thesis

The thesis by Wildavsky suggesting there are two distinct presidencies for foreign and domestic policy, with greater success in foreign policy.

United Nations (UN)

An international organization of nation-states aimed at promoting peace, international relations, and economic and environmental programs.