Foreign Policy

Be a very specific response to a particular situation. Foreign Policy refers to a consistent course of actions followed by one nation to deal with another nation or region, or international issue. i.e., “Can North Korea Be Stopped?” A countries’ foreign policy may reflect broad national objectives/interests i.e., containing Communism (Cold War) or stopping terrorism Or Be a very specific response to a particular situation. i.e., dealing directly with North Korea’s missile program

Several ways countries can achieve its foreign policy goals: Diplomacy Trade Relations Foreign Aid Alliances Multinational Organizations (like the U.N.) Boycotts/Sanctions Propaganda Terrorism Military Force

Diplomacy peaceful negotiations between two or more nations to achieve national interests (communication, pressure, persuasion, advice) Countries can use media (newspapers, TV, radio, books/pamphlets, internet, etc.) to try and influence the beliefs of citizens from other countries. Countries can also join international organizations to increase their diplomacy and power (U.N., NATO). Typically these include a wider range of issues (including human rights, trade, and arms control).

Economic or Military Aid Programs supply another country with money or supplies to help promote goodwill

Alliances

Economic Sanctions Sanctions could be used to force a country to come into compliance with their interests (i.e., U.S. pressuring Iraq and sanctions placed on them from the U.N.)

Military Force Can be used if all other methods fail

Some U.S. Goals: Defend the U.S. and its borders Prevent nuclear war Provide forces/allies in support of U.S. foreign policy Protect western Europe from attack Ensure freedom of the seas Combat International Terrorism

If we can remember from Thursday’s notes… Some of the main goals of our foreign policy is to: Protect U.S. and Americans Support economic growth and human rights around the world Increase support for American values like democracy and freedom

WHO SETS U.S. FOREIGN POLICY??

President— Sets agenda for foreign policy. Appoints cabinet level officials (Sec. of State, Sec. of Defense, etc.) as well as U.S. foreign ambassadors to other countries. Negotiates treaties with other countries. Serves as the commander in chief of military. Rex Tillerson (Sec. of State) Jim Mattis (Sec. of Def)

Congress— Can declare war on other countries. Power to approve ambassadors and presidential nominations. Ratifies treaties made by the president. ALL treaties MUST be approved by 2/3rds of the Senate Provide money for foreign aid and military programs. Passes laws or resolutions on foreign policies.

What is the military’s role?

Main Goals The main goals of our military is to: Prevent war and protect the United States

Active Groups The Department of Defense is made up of the following branches: Army Navy Air Force Marines Coast Guard

Foreign Policy and WAR

What are some reasons that the U. S What are some reasons that the U.S. has gone to war throughout its history?

WHY did we go to war in… World War II? Vietnam? The Persian Gulf?

Let’s take a look @ examples for each… Historically, the U.S. has gone to war based on the interplay of several key factors: The President; Congress; External Events; American Interests; and Public Opinion ALL have played roles in determining whether the country should go to war. Let’s take a look @ examples for each…

The President In some cases, the president has been eager for the U.S. to join a military conflict… for example: President James Polk initiated the Mexican War. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was eager to support Britain and France and to quell threats from Germany in World War II. In other cases, the president has been hesitant to enter military conflict… President James Madison was reluctant to involve the United States in the War of 1812.

Congress Members of Congress, specifically the so called war hawks, were overwhelmingly in favor of American involvement in the War of 1812. Congress strongly supported the Spanish-American War of 1898; However… Congress was deeply divided over American involvement in World War I (even though it voted for the country to enter that war). The U.S. entered the Korean and Vietnam Wars even though Congress never officially declared war.

External Events The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in World War II immediately involved the U.S. in that war; In 1846, when Mexican soldiers crossed the Rio Grande and clashed with U.S. General Zachary Taylor's troops, President Polk used the skirmish to justify a war with Mexico.

American Interests Americans have fought for: Land, as in the War of 1812; Oil, in the Persian Gulf War; Human rights, to some degree, in World War II and the Persian Gulf War; and for democracy, in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Americans have also entered war to support their allies, as they did in World Wars I and II.

Public Opinion American involvement in the Spanish-American War was wildly popular. Many Americans, however, opposed the Vietnam War.

QUESTIONS In today’s society, military troops can mobilize almost instantaneously, while in the past it could take months to prepare for war. Do presidents have time to debate the issue before taking military action? Give examples and/or explain. Should the president, acting as commander-in-chief, be able to use military force abroad without the consent of Congress, which has the constitutional authority to declare war? The American people are asked to support a war with their taxes and their lives. Should public opinion play a role in the decision to go to war? Explain. When should the president use military force? What events or issues justify the United States’ going to war? How should those who oppose going to war on religious, moral, or political grounds be treated?