Module 4

Overview of US Foreign Policy and Grand Strategies

Introduction

  • Presentation by Professors Rob Moser and Pat McDonald from the University of Texas at Austin's Liberal Arts Development Studio and Department of Government.

    • Topic: US foreign policy and brand strategies.

Brand Strategies in Foreign Policy

  • Definition:

    • Brand Strategy: A way to categorize national interests and foreign policies the US government might pursue.

    • Draws parallels with partisanship in domestic politics (e.g., Republican tax cut proposals).

  • Examples of Grand Strategies:

    • The concept of brand strategies helps organize various foreign policy ideas similarly to how political parties (Democratic and Republican) organize domestic policy positions.

    • Multilateralism, as seen in Obama’s West Point Speech, aligns with Liberal Internationalism.

Structure of the Module

  • The module contains five lecture segments:

    1. Definition of Liberal Internationalism.

    2. Reading discussion: John Eichenberry's views on the liberal international order.

    3. Definition of Primacy and an overview of George W. Bush's policies as an example.

    4. Analysis of the grand strategy under the Trump administration.

    5. Review of Biden's emerging grand strategy.

Liberal Internationalism

Definition

  • Liberal Internationalism: Emphasizes multilateral cooperation to build a liberal international order enhancing the security and interests of the United States.

    • Core Principles:

    1. Collective Security: Security achieved through cooperative effort rather than unilateral actions.

    2. Promotion of Liberal Values: Focus on democracy, human rights, free trade; aims to create a world of democracies governed by US-inspired values.

Key Concepts

  • Liberalism vs. Domestic Politics:

    • In this context, 'liberal' signifies classic European liberalism focusing on:

    • Free and fair elections.

    • Individual rights and freedoms (speech, religion, assembly, press).

    • Civil rights and equality.

    • Free market economy with private property ownership.

  • Historical Roots:

    • The philosophy traces back to the 17th century with thinkers like John Locke, opposing authoritarian monarchies and feudal systems.

Features of Liberal Internationalism

  1. Global Perspective: National interests and security threats are viewed as global rather than narrowly national.

  2. Multilateralism: Collaboration with international organizations such as the United Nations and NATO is essential to address global threats.

    • Example: Coordinated response to Russian aggression in Ukraine.

  3. Emphasis on Values: Promoting liberal democratic values is central to enhancing US and allied security.

    • Activist foreign policies (potential criticism: Liberal Imperialism) can lead to military interventions.

Historical Examples

Woodrow Wilson and Liberal Internationalism

  • Wilson's Policies Post-1917:

    • Utilized military force and international institutions.

    • Aimed to establish a legal nation system to promote collective security and deter territorial claims.

  • WPA Goals:

    • Encourage self-determination and democracy.

    • Foster local independence movements against European imperialism.

  • Challenges Faced:

    • League of Nations: Failure to gain US Congressional approval hindered its effectiveness and cooperation among members.

Eichenberry's Argument on Liberal Internationalism

  • Reading Discussion: "The New Liberal Order" by John Eichenberry.

    • The post-World War II liberal international order is in decline.

    • Urges US leadership to reverse this decline and rebuild the existing order to adapt to 21st-century realities.

Liberating Values of the Liberal International Order

Components of the Liberal Order

  • Characteristics:

    • Economically and politically open.

    • Multilateral and based on Western values (rule of law, human rights).

  • US and Allies:

    • Led the establishment of organizations (e.g., UN, NATO, World Bank, WTO).

Challenges to the Liberal Order

  1. Erosion of Commitment: US withdrawal from agreements (e.g., Paris Climate Accords under Trump) and decreasing support for multilateralism.

  2. Global Trends: Rising authoritarian regimes challenging the core values of the liberal order; violations of human rights in places like Hong Kong.

  3. Economic Inequality: Globalization leading to increased inequality and populist backlash.

Suggestions for Revitalization by Eichenberry

  1. Recognize successes of the liberal order, highlighting how it lifted economies (China's rise) and maintained peace.

  2. Acknowledge shortcomings of liberalism, particularly regarding globalization, and accommodate those adversely affected.

  3. Return to original post-WWII goals emphasizing collective security and the protection of liberal values.

  4. Strengthen alliances and commitments to defend and reform the system, ensuring compatible power actors invest in the order.

Examination of Primacy as a Grand Strategy

Defining Primacy

  • Primacy: Focus on maintaining US hegemony in political, economic, and military spheres.

  • Characteristics:

    • Preventing strong rivals from emerging (e.g., Russia, China).

    • Unilateralism over multilateral actions; emphasizes freedom of US action.

    • Policies often involve coercion (military force and economic sanctions).

Critique of Primacy

  • Seen as ambitious and potentially costly (e.g., Iraq War consequences).

  • Policy examples demonstrate overreach and diminished international prestige when executed unilaterally.

George W. Bush's Administration as an Example

  • Mixture of military dominance and democratization as moral imperatives.

  • Initial framework similar to selective engagement focusing on great power relations before 9/11.

  • Post-9/11: Emphasis on unilateral military action (e.g., Iraq War) justified as promoting democracy.

The Trump Administration's Foreign Policy

Grand Strategy Element Breakdown

  • America First Doctrine: Economic self-interest driving foreign and domestic policy decisions.

    • Protectionist trade policies: tariffs to curb imports increase prices but protect jobs.

    • Restrictive immigration measures to boost wages and reduce labor supply.

  • Clash with Globalism:

    • Retreat from international agreements (e.g., withdrawal from various treaties).

  • Skepticism of Military Intervention:

    • Reduce troop presence abroad (e.g., withdrawal from Afghanistan).

  • Increasing Military Spending and Force Bolstering:

    • Commitment to enhancing US military capabilities despite a desire to lessen engagements.

Puzzling Aspects of Trump’s Second Term

  • Territorial Expansion Rhetoric: Possible shift towards an aggressive form of primacy with aspirations for reclaiming past territorial rights (e.g., Panama Canal).

Biden's Grand Strategy

Characteristics of Biden's Strategy

  1. Identification of Threats: Focus on authoritarian regimes (Russia, China) as primary threats to US national security.

  2. Alliance Building: Aiming for multilateral cooperation, particularly renewed relations with NATO.

  3. Promise of Democratization: Regaining support for democratic values and reversing the trend under Trump's administration.

Key Actions Under Biden’s Administration

  • Building alliances and security arrangements in the Pacific to counter China.

  • Managing a response to Russian aggression through NATO support and denying direct military conflict.

  • Rejoining significant international agreements (e.g., Paris Accord, WHO).

Conclusion

  • Biden’s policies reflect a return to liberal internationalism, emphasizing global responsibilities, multilateral processes, and Western values as core to US foreign policy.

Non-Appendix Section: Ending Notes
Strong reflections on the impacts of US foreign policy may be warranted for future studies and understanding of the global dynamics influenced by American strategies.