International Politics and US Foreign Policy: Key Concepts and Current Events

What is the international system and its main components?

The international system (IS) is the structural framework connecting actors globally, consisting of states and non-state actors (e.g., NGOs, Multinational Corporations).

What does it mean to 'think systemically' in international politics?

It means considering how each actor interacts within the greater international system rather than focusing on individual actors.

What is structure in the international system?

Structure consists of properties or arrangements that connect and order actors within the system, such as the US Legal Code.

How does structure constrain the behaviors of international actors?

Structure acts as guidelines that limit actions, such as the US Legal Code and the Constitution constraining the President's powers.

How does structure constitute actors by influencing their identities and interests?

Structure alters identities and interests, as seen in campus culture shaping the identity of students, like the Longhorns.

Define anarchy in the context of international relations.

Anarchy refers to the absence of a supranational authority above states, leading to political supremacy of individual states within their territories.

What is the prisoner's dilemma and its significance in international relations?

The prisoner's dilemma illustrates the challenge of reaching cooperative agreements due to low willingness to collaborate, exemplified by the Iran Nuclear Accord.

What are the most prominent actors in the international system?

Prominent actors include states, great powers, domestic groups (political parties, unions), international organizations (UN, NATO), multinational corporations (Apple, JP Morgan), NGOs (Amnesty), and individuals (e.g., Donald Trump, Putin).

What components contributed to the completion of the Iran nuclear accord?

The accord was based on a universal agreement that nuclear weapons are undesirable, but it fell apart due to the US withdrawal and ongoing tensions with Israel.

What is foreign policy?

Foreign policy consists of government actions/statements aimed at influencing external actors.

What are the differences among beliefs, capabilities, interests, and actions in foreign policy?

Beliefs are organizing ideas about US National Interests, capabilities refer to the resources available, interests denote goals, and actions are the behaviors of political actors.

What role do beliefs play in the US foreign policy bureaucracy?

Beliefs shape the expectations of foreign actors regarding US National Interests and future actions.

How do capabilities affect US foreign policy?

Capabilities determine the resources and power available to the US government to influence international actors.

What are interests in the context of US foreign policy?

Interests refer to the goals and objectives that guide the actions of the US in international relations.

What actions or behaviors are associated with political actors in foreign policy?

Actions are the specific behaviors and decisions made by political actors to achieve their interests in the international arena.

How can states be differentiated from great powers in the international system?

States are average countries, while great powers possess significant influence and power on the global stage.

What examples illustrate domestic groups as actors in the international system?

Domestic groups include political parties, unions, and religious organizations that influence foreign policy.

What are some examples of international organizations?

International organizations include the United Nations (UN), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and World Health Organization (WHO).

How do multinational corporations act as actors in the international system?

Multinational corporations like Apple, JP Morgan, and Toyota operate across borders and influence international economic relations.

What is the significance of NGOs and activists in international politics?

NGOs and activists, such as Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders, advocate for social issues and influence public policy on a global scale.

How do individual actors impact international relations?

Individuals like Donald Trump, Putin, Obama, Greta Thunberg, and Sonia Sotomayor can shape international relations through their leadership and public influence.

What is the role of military power in foreign policy according to the notes?

Military power serves as a tool to degrade the capabilities of enemy states.

What are the interests of states in the context of foreign policy?

Interests include territory, wealth, nuclear capabilities, and the promotion of democracies.

What is the national interest?

The goals a state seeks internationally, such as security and prosperity, which influence potential conflict or cooperation with other states.

What is the Biden Doctrine as described in the notes?

The Biden Doctrine focuses on addressing the Great Power Conflict, promoting democracy, countering China and Russia, and uniting democracies against autocracies.

How does President Trump's counter-terrorism strategy differ from President Bush's?

Trump's strategy emphasizes 'America first' and focuses on securing borders and critical infrastructure, while Bush promoted broad democracy.

What is grand strategy?

An overarching plan that links national interests to policy tools, which must consider domestic political context and potential partisan conflict.

What are the components of grand strategy?

Components include interests, threats, alliances, use of force, and tools such as military, economic, and diplomatic measures.

What central policy claims are made in Obama's West Point Speech?

The speech advocates for limited force, multilateralism, and U.S. leadership in promoting liberal internationalism.

What is isolationism?

A foreign policy approach that avoids foreign entanglements, exemplified by the U.S. pre-WWII.

What is Restraint in foreign policy?

A strategy focused on limiting overseas commitments and wars, supported by libertarians, realists, and progressives.

What critiques do advocates of Restraint have against Liberal Institutionalism and Primacy?

Critiques include excessive reliance on military intervention, potential disrespect for national sovereignty, and risks of unintended consequences.

What are some policy successes associated with Restraint?

Restraint has avoided costly conflicts and promoted stability without intervention.

Who are the supporters of Restraint?

Supporters include anti-war activists, libertarians, traditional conservative internationalists, and the George H.W. Bush wing of the Republican party.

What is Liberal Internationalism?

A foreign policy approach that uses military power and international institutions to pursue a liberal international order.

What are the main interests and goals of Liberal Internationalism?

The main interests include collective security, free markets, democratic regimes, and human rights.

What is the main critique of Liberal Internationalism?

It is often criticized for being too expensive and can be perceived as imperialism.

What are historical examples of Liberal Internationalism?

Examples include the League of Nations, national self-determination, democracy promotion, and free trade.

What crisis does Ikenberry identify at the heart of Liberal Internationalism?

The crisis involves challenges to the liberal international order and the effectiveness of multilateral institutions.

What is the main problem facing the post-WWII liberal order according to Ikenberry?

The post-WWII liberal order is collapsing due to the relative decline of U.S. hegemony, the rise of China, and the failure of globalization to accommodate those left behind by free trade.

What solutions does Ikenberry propose to maintain the liberal international order?

Appreciate the successes of the liberal order while acknowledging its shortcomings, allow states more room to accommodate, return to the original aims of the post-WWII order, create an environment for collective security, and renew alliances of liberal democracies.

What is Primacy in U.S. foreign policy?

Primacy aims to establish American hegemony over all rivals through unilateral means, relying on military power to achieve global security.

What are the main critiques against the strategy of Primacy?

Primacy can lead to overreach in foreign policy.

How did President George W. Bush's foreign policy exemplify Primacy?

Bush's policy included a clear willingness to use military force, skepticism of international institutions, and a focus on democracy promotion.

What role does democracy promotion play in President Bush's version of Primacy?

Democracy promotion is a significant aspect of Bush's foreign policy, especially following the events of 9/11.

What principles are associated with President Trump's 'America First' foreign policy?

Centrality of economic interests, protection of the homeland, promotion of American prosperity, rebuilding the military, and advancing American influence abroad.

What is neo-mercantilism and how did it influence U.S. grand strategy during the Trump Administration?

Neo-mercantilism emphasizes the importance of domestic industry, protectionist measures, and redistributing wealth from the world to the U.S.

How did President Trump change U.S. participation in multilateral organizations?

Trump exhibited deep skepticism towards multilateral organizations and agreements, such as the Paris Climate Accords and NATO, while emphasizing sovereignty.

What military strategies did the Trump Administration employ in foreign policy?

The administration resisted new troop deployments and significantly increased military spending.

How does Trump's grand strategy fit into broader categories?

Trump's grand strategy combines neo-mercantilism and America First principles, focusing on restoring sovereignty and strategic retrenchment.

What are the main goals of President Biden's grand strategy?

Support for democracy, renewal of alliances, and addressing global threats.

How does President Biden's foreign policy align with broader grand strategy categories?

Biden's policy reflects liberal internationalism, a restoration of multilateralism, and a coalition of democracies, while recognizing great power competition.

What are the constitutional foundations of presidential leadership in foreign policy?

The Constitution grants the president authority as commander in chief, executive power, and the ability to appoint diplomats and negotiate treaties.

What challenges does the President face in managing foreign policy bureaucracy?

Central challenges include inter-agency conflict, coordination problems, and complexity.

What is the problem of bureaucratic coordination in foreign policy?

A lack of coordination can lead to delays and ineffective responses, as seen in the U.S. reaction to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990.

What should the U.S. do to maintain the liberal international order?

The U.S. should appreciate the successes of the liberal order, acknowledge its shortcomings, and renew alliances.

What is the significance of military dominance in Bush's foreign policy?

Bush aimed to preserve military dominance over peers while promoting democracy.

What narrative did the Trump Administration use regarding immigration and border control?

Immigration restrictions were framed as a means to reassert sovereignty and resist globalization.

What is the relationship between Trump's foreign policy and isolationism?

Trump's strategy leaves a combination of isolationism and restraint, rejecting both liberal internationalism and primacy.

What is the role of collective security in Ikenberry's vision for the liberal order?

Collective security is essential for protecting liberal values and maintaining international order.

How does Biden's approach differ from Trump's in terms of multilateralism?

Biden seeks to restore multilateralism, contrasting with Trump's skepticism towards international agreements.

What are the implications of great power competition in Biden's foreign policy?

Biden's policy acknowledges the reemergence of great power competition, which influences his approach to international relations.

How does competition between different agencies within the foreign policy bureaucracy affect US foreign policy?

It can lead to inefficiencies, policy incoherence, and undermine overall effectiveness, manifesting as turf wars and lack of coordination.

What was the competition between the State Department and the Defense Department following the invasion of Iraq primarily about?

Disagreement over post-war reconstruction plans.

Does war expand presidential authority, and how do public support and Congress influence this?

Yes, public support and urgency can override congressional restraint.

What is an Authorization to Use Military Force (AUMF)?

AUMF is a joint resolution of Congress that authorizes the President to use military force against a specific enemy or in a specific area.

What are some challenges associated with the 2001 AUMF regarding military force against Al Qaeda and ISIS?

The AUMF has broad language and lacks clear limitations, leading to ongoing legal and political challenges.

What factors have caused the erosion of constraints on presidential authority in foreign policy?

Partisanship and congressional passivity have contributed to the decline of these constraints.

What controversies arise from using executive orders in foreign policy, particularly over immigration?

Controversies stem from constitutional tensions and partisan dynamics, especially when Congress is gridlocked.

What role does the Constitution designate for Congress in foreign policy?

Congress is responsible for declaring war, funding the military, and ratifying treaties.

What is the War Powers Act of 1973?

It requires the President to consult and report to Congress on military use.

How does Congress shape foreign policy?

Through oversight, budgets, resolutions, and influencing public opinion.

What is partisanship, and how does it affect congressional action on foreign policy?

Partisanship is prejudice in favor of a particular cause, determining support or opposition to the president's agenda.

What is a divided government, and how does it influence foreign policy?

A divided government occurs when different parties control the presidency and Congress, leading to increased oversight.

How does Congress shape public opinion over foreign policy?

Congress influences public perception through legislation, hearings, and shaping public discourse.

What are the principal components of the Weissman argument about Congress's role in military force?

The argument emphasizes Congress's critical oversight and influence in decisions regarding the use of military force.

What examples illustrate Congressional failure to uphold its constitutional responsibility regarding military force?

Failed to check executive actions, such as in Iraq and Libya.

How might Congress reassert its role in foreign policy according to McKeon and Tess?

By reclaiming power through legislation and reforming the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF).

What are some components of a domestic model of international politics that shape US foreign policy?

Domestic factors include Congress, the Pentagon, and public protests, while international factors involve relationships with other states like China and the UK.

What does the two-level game model explain about domestic political factors and US foreign policy?

It highlights that governments must consider both international and domestic levels, where lack of domestic support can conflict with international interests.

What domestic nonstate groups influence US foreign policy and what are their interests?

Groups include Congress, the Pentagon, voters, economic interests, labor unions, economic firms, media, and political parties, each with specific foreign policy interests.

How do domestic institutions influence foreign policy decisions?

They mediate political conflict and bargaining among groups, structure interactions, allocate power, and help reach collective decisions.

What is the 'rally around the flag' effect?

It is the tendency for the public to support the president and war efforts during initial crises, but this support quickly fades.

What is 'war fatigue' in the context of US foreign policy?

It refers to the American public's decreasing tolerance for prolonged military engagement and rising casualties.

What does it mean to describe the American public as 'casualty-phobic'?

It indicates that the public has little tolerance for military casualties, leading to decreased support for wars as casualties mount.

What factors differentiate foreign policy interests among US voters?

Partisan affiliation, age and generation, race and ethnicity, geographic location, and economic factors.

Which non-state actors are likely to be most effective in shaping US foreign policy?

Lobby groups, firms, and NGOs, such as AIPAC and labor unions.

What is a public good?

A public good is a non-excludable and non-rivalrous benefit, such as national defense, where people can enjoy the benefits without paying the costs.

What is the free rider problem?

The free rider problem occurs when individuals benefit from a good without contributing to its cost, leading to under-provision of that good.

How does the free rider problem relate to national defense?

In national defense, individuals may benefit from military protection without paying taxes, leading to a situation where some may prefer to 'free ride' on the contributions of others.

How do special interest lobbying groups address the free rider problem?

They provide selective incentives and organize interests to encourage participation and contribution.

What were Russia's stated goals for invading Ukraine in February 2022?

Russia aimed to 'demilitarize and denazify' Ukraine and protect Russians in the Donbas, while also seeking to establish Russian domination and prevent Ukraine's integration with the West.

What underlying aims did Russia have in its invasion of Ukraine?

Underlying aims included undoing the post-Cold War order, regaining a sphere of influence over former Soviet republics, and ensuring Ukraine remained a puppet regime.

Why did the United States and Europe support Ukraine against Russia?

Support was motivated by upholding international law, territorial integrity, and democratic principles against Russia's military aggression, which threatened global stability.

What was the nature of U.S. support for Ukraine during the conflict?

The U.S. support included military aid and diplomatic backing, but was limited by concerns about escalating the conflict.

What was the outcome of President Trump's meeting with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska?

The meeting was described as 'productive' but failed to achieve its main goal of securing a ceasefire in the conflict.

Why did European leaders travel to Washington with Zelensky?

They aimed to present a united front against Russia and reinforce Zelenskyy's negotiating position regarding peace talks.

How did President Trump's position change after his meeting with Putin?

Trump initially insisted on a ceasefire but later abandoned that demand in favor of seeking a broader peace agreement.

What are Russia's short-term interests in the Ukraine conflict?

Short-term interests include expanding territorial gains, destroying Ukraine's capacity to resist, and leveraging military pressure for diplomatic advantage.

What are Russia's long-term interests regarding Ukraine?

Long-term goals include undermining Ukrainian independence, preventing deeper Western integration, and restructuring the European security order.