U.S. Foreign Policy

Defining Domestic policy – matters dealing within the U.S. Foreign policy – matters that involve the U.S. and countries outside the U.S.: Topics range from military, diplomatic, commercial, treaties, import/exports and much more.

People Involved in Foreign Policy Ambassadors – official gov’t member that represents the nation in diplomacy. Embassy – building where foreign representatives work The U.S. has embassies in approximately 180 countries Department of State – Handles Foreign Affairs John Kerry is our Secretary of State CIA – Central Intelligence Agency = gain knowledge on foreign gov’t. Engage in espionage (spying)

Passports and Visas Passport -A certificate issued by a government from the country you live in – it allows you to travel and RETURN to your country. Visa – a certificate may be required by the country you’re visiting, especially if it’s for an extended time – check with that country prior.

Early views on Foreign Affairs involving DIPLOMACY U.S. practiced Isolationism – refusal to become involved in the rest of the worlds affairs- used until WWII. Monroe Doctrine 1823 – warning to European countries to stay out of the Western Hemisphere

World War I and World War II U.S. practices Isolationism following WWI and even refused to join the League of Nations, which Woodrow Wilson had conceived – The U.S. was known for its stand on isolationism, but that changed w/the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, just two years after the WWII began. America joined the allied (Great Britain, USSR, France) powers in a full fledged effort to defeat the Axis powers. Since the end of the war, America has practiced Internationalism – Very involved in world affairs

Internationalism America’s number one priority is still America – including the protection, security and prosperity of our nation. United Nations created in 1945 – primary goal “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war… and to maintain international peace and security” Building alliances becomes key to security With the fall of the Soviet Union, the U.S. is the world’s only superpower today

Deterrence is KEY Deterrence helps the U.S. keep its position as a superpower. It is the strategy of maintaining the military at so great a level and strength, that is will deter any attacks against the U.S.

Cold War A period where the two superpowers (U.S. and Soviet) had tense relations. No actual war occurred – just a lot of threatening. Soviet leader Josef Stalin began to close himself off and break away from the allied powers Marking the beginning of what would become a forty year Cold War. Called Cold War because military action was not “hot”, instead it involved threats, posturing and military build up.

Cold War Years -Tensions w/ The Soviet Union Germany was divided into two countries following WWII – East Germany & West Germany. In East Germany the four allies took a stake (France, U.S. Britain, & Soviets). Berlin was also divided into two – France, U.S and Britain claimed West Berlin, and Soviets claimed East Berlin Soviets were initially our allies Berlin Wall : Soviets claimed East Berlin and eventually closed the borders in 1961 surrounding the city – Berlin Wall – no entering, no leaving Cuban Missile Crisis: In 1962 U.S. and Soviets came close to nuclear war when Cuba was suspected of harboring Soviet missiles.

Cold War Ends In 1991 Soviet President ,M. Gorbachev, was vacationing when he was arrested – back in the Soviet Union, Russian Republics were starting a “Rebellion” they elected President Boris Yeltsin. Yeltsin encouraged the Soviet to surrender the communist party Protestors took to the streets and on December 25, 1991 Gorbachev resigned from office and with that, the Soviet fell to the Russian state.

Modern Conflicts The US still uses the ideas of deterrence, containment and preemptive war. Deter nations from attacking US Containment – stop the spread of something (initially communism) NOW we want to Contain terrorism and use preemptive tactics to prevent it from spreading. US is currently fighting a war against terrorism, not against a particular country. Stop Al Qaeda and deter other organizations from attempting the same ideas.

Foreign Policy – Providing Aid and Military Defense Foreign Aid – providing economic and military aid to other countries Foreign aid helped with the Communist Containment efforts during the Cold War

Foreign Policy – Creating Alliances One of the most well known alliances today is the UN (United Nations) Formed after WWII -The preamble states that the goal is to maintain peace and security, develop friendly relationships w/ other countries, promote justice and cooperation. They also work towards humanitarian efforts – human rights, social progress, international law. . There were 51 members in 1945- today there are 192 members

International Law and Treaties International Law – the use of common rules and procedures of sovereign countries (like laws at sea, planes, etc) Treaty – written agreements made under international law b/t two or more countries Sanction – a punishment of some kind Geneva Conventions – 4 treaties made over time –– they established the rules of war: protect civilians or POW. Forbids torture. Ensures Due Process, etc