Foreign Policy

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts from the lecture on U.S. foreign policy.

Foreign Policy

Programs and policies that determine a nation's relations with other countries and foreign entities.

Security

A primary goal of U.S. foreign policy focused on protecting the nation from threats.

Non-state actors

Groups other than nation-states that attempt to influence international relations, such as terrorist groups.

Isolationism

A foreign policy principle advocating avoidance of involvement in foreign affairs.

Containment

A strategy aimed at curtailing the political and military expansion of hostile powers, notably employed against the Soviet Union.

Preventive War

A policy of striking first when a nation fears a foreign threat may act.

Deterrence

A strategy that aims to prevent hostile actions by ensuring potential adversaries are aware of the consequences.

Economic Prosperity

A significant goal of foreign policy aimed at promoting national economic interests.

World Trade Organization (WTO)

An international organization that regulates trade and aims to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably, and freely as possible.

Collective Security

A foreign policy approach that involves alliances formed to deter security threats.

Soft Power

The ability to influence others through persuasion rather than coercion, often involving cultural or ideological means.

Arbitration

The resolution of disputes by a neutral third party, considered a non-coercive method of conflict resolution.

Nuclear Proliferation

The spread of nuclear weapons and technology, posing significant challenges for U.S. foreign policy.

Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)

A trade agreement from which President Trump withdrew in an effort to combat perceived unfair trade practices.

Paris Agreement

An international accord aimed at combating climate change, which the U.S. withdrew from under Trump but reinstated under Biden.