U.S. Foreign Policy Comprehensive Study Notes

U.S. Foreign Policy: Comprehensive Study Notes

Learning Objectives

  • Students should grasp the following concepts after studying U.S. foreign policy:

    • Elements of foreign policy and rationale for nations having specific policies aligned with their interests.

    • Political and social actors involved in shaping U.S. foreign policy.

    • Historical and current influences on U.S. foreign policy.

    • The connection between U.S. foreign policy and the conflict in Iraq.

Abstract

  • U.S. foreign policy involves advancing American national interests internationally using governmental and societal resources.

  • The chapter culminates discussions on the roles of various entities in U.S. foreign policy, tracing historical themes and applying them to contemporary issues such as Iraq.

Introduction

  • The last two decades have seen U.S. military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, raising questions about the motivations behind these actions.

  • Major influence: September 11, 2001 attacks catalyzed U.S. intervention in the Middle East under the pretext of combating terrorism and homeland security, emphasized by President Bush's address post-9/11: "Tonight, we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom…"

  • The complexity of U.S. engagement in the Middle East extends beyond immediate responses to 9/11. Key questions include:

    • How does a national tragedy influence U.S. foreign policy?

    • What legitimizes U.S. military presence in conflict-prone regions?

    • Who are the decision-makers in this process?

  • The chapter seeks to unravel these themes, linking domestic American concerns with foreign policy actions and examining the Libya intervention of 2011 as a case study.

What is Foreign Policy?

  • Definition: Foreign policy refers to "the scope of involvement abroad and the collection of goals, strategies, and instruments that are selected by governmental policymakers" (Rosati & Scott, 2007, p.4).

  • It involves U.S. engagement based on national interests, covering topics such as product exports, oil imports, terrorism, and environmental concerns.

  • Influencing factors: U.S. foreign policy is shaped by various actors including the President, Congress, military, media, intelligence community, and interest groups. It is a collaborative bargaining process where various stakeholders negotiate to achieve national goals.

  • Example analogy: Visualize U.S. foreign policy as a "board meeting" where key representatives weigh in on national interests like terrorism and trade.

  • Noteworthy differences with other countries' foreign policies, exemplified by the distinctive political systems and interests of Canada and Mexico.

Importance of Foreign Policy

  • The significance of foreign policy stems from its implications on citizens' welfare in the U.S.:

    • Businesses need favorable foreign relations to market products internationally.

    • Citizens seek safety from global threats (e.g., terrorism, diseases).

    • Dependence on foreign resources, such as oil for fuel.

    • Everyone plays a role in influencing foreign policy even if it appears solely governmental.

Basic Elements of U.S. Foreign Policy

  • Composed of core concepts: power, wealth, and shared values.

  • A country's identity and capabilities determine the nature of its foreign policy.

  • The U.S. strengths include abundant natural resources, a large economy (~$21.4 trillion in 2021), a formidable military (1.39 million active personnel), and a commitment to democratic ideals outlined in guiding documents.

Who Makes U.S. Foreign Policy?

The President and Executive Branch

  • The President holds primary authority in making foreign policy, backed by Article II of the Constitution which grants powers including:

    • Commander-in-Chief

    • Chief Diplomat

    • Chief Administrator

    • Chief Legislator

  • Historical examples show presidential power expansion during crises, leading to increased Executive Branch involvement.

  • National Security Council (NSC): Comprised of key executive members (e.g., Secretaries of State, Defense, and the military Chairman) aiding the President in crafting and executing foreign policies.

  • Case studies: Decisions related to the Iraq War(2003) and the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) illustrate reliance on consultations with advisors and cabinet members.

The Bureaucracy

  • The role of the bureaucracy involves implementation of foreign policy decisions across different departments, including State and Defense.

  • Example: The pre-9/11 failures demonstrated how lack of inter-agency cooperation can detract from national security effectiveness.

The State Department

  • Established in 1789, the State Department publicizes and implements U.S. foreign policy.

  • Secretary of State: Appointed by the President, acts as spokesperson for U.S. foreign policy, responsible for crisis response and diplomatic negotiations.

Military and Intelligence Communities

  • Post-International Security Act of 1947, military and intelligence gained prominence in foreign policy matters, often overshadowing the State Department.

  • The NSA's creation enhanced military resource management and intelligence operations facilitating national security efforts.