UNIT TWO| FOREIGN POLICY KEY PRINCIPLES & PRACTICES

DEFINITION FOREIGN POLICY a strategy pursued by a nation in its dealings with other nations, designed to achieve national objectives

PURPOSE FOREIGN POLICY Determines how America conducts relation with other countries. Designed to further certain goals while assuring America’s security and defense. It seeks the power to protect and project America’s national interests around the world.

THE QUESTIONS What are the goals of the United States in the global community? What issues and objectives are the most important? Should economic interests outweigh security interests? Where do ideological interests fit in?

WHAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIPS WILL WE HAVE WITH OTHER NATIONS? Who are our greatest allies? Who are our greatest enemies?

DIFFERENT ANSWERS….

The U.S. BETWEEN WARS Ever since the end of World War II, the United States has been a dominant force in global politics. (SUPERPOWER) Several international institutions were created during the post-war period and were headquartered in the United States such as UN. UN Security Council initiatives (United States, China, France, Russia, and the Britain) Bretton Woods system (World Bank) This brief era of international cooperation was darkened by the onset of the Cold War, a nearly half-century conflict between a capitalist bloc in the West, led by the United States, and a communist bloc in the East, led by the Soviet Union.

THE U.S. POST COLD WAR As the Cold War came to an end, the United States was once again perceived as the only true world power. This image was reinforced by the U.S. military’s resounding victory in the Gulf War of 1990-1991. Since 2001, the United States has been significantly more active abroad than at any time since the end of the Cold War. The U.S. combat mission in Iraq ended in 2011, but as of 2016, a small number of U.S. troops remained engaged in the rebuilding and protection of Iraq.

Since 2003, both the situation within Iraq and the United States’ efforts to combat terrorism have largely changed. Al-Qaeda has been significantly weakened by U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Yemen. But turmoil in countries such as Nigeria, Somalia, and Syria has allowed for the rise of new terrorist organizations such as al-Shabab, Boko Haram, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the group also known as ISIS or Islamic State.

COMPETING INTERESTS ECONOMIC Trade policy, contracts, taxes and tariffs, and monetary policy all fall within the realm of economic interests. Economic interests can be difficult to navigate, as governments in different countries have different levels of control over their respective economies. In recent years, countries have worked to find common ground to deal with the worldwide economic downturn Countries with different market philosophies have debated the proper level of government stimulus in the economy, while nations and international organizations have debated exactly how much oversight is needed in the arena of global trade

COMPETING INTERESTS IDEOLOGICAL The United States has been regarded as a world leader since the end of World War II. This status, along with the allure of American films, television, and other cultural products, has allowed the United States to strongly influence global ideologies. Yet the United States has also experienced ideological conflicts with other nations—the chief example being the fight between capitalism and communism Some Americans have argued that ideology—specifically, a hatred of American freedom— has motivated terrorist groups to attack the United States. An ideological reason was given for the Iraq war—to liberate the Iraqi people from a brutal dictator. Many argue that United States should work to prevent humanitarian crises abroad, even to work for democracy.

COMPETING INTERESTS SECURITY Of vital importance to every country is the safety of its homeland. Any threats to our the safety of our people and way of life are considered security interests. Our safety is a global issue. Because the U.S. military maintains bases and installations in more than 120 countries, threats and instability in these nations can result in security concerns for the United States.

ELECTION 2016 Should the United States seek to downsize its role in global affairs?

DIFFERENT VIEWS On the other side of the aisle, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., have argued for more robust engagement with the world. Secretary Clinton has said that the United States should continue to play a sizable role in global affairs, continue to negotiate treaties and trade agreements, and continue to maintain a strong military. Senator Sanders agrees in part, but he is leery of treaties and unlikely to engage militarily. The recent presidential candidacies of then-Representative Ron Paul, R-Texas, and his son, Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., have largely been based on the idea that the United States should invest fewer resources and less energy in exerting its influence abroad. Businessman Donald Trump has taken a similar stance in 2016—he advocates an approach to foreign policy that avoids entangling treaties and that puts the needs of the United States first.

HOMEWORK READ Foundational Unit 3 | ELECTIONS on www.closeup.org WATCH or read the transcript of the Presidential Debate scheduled for September 26, 2016. COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING ASSIGNMENT: Identify THREE different policy issues discussed Research EACH issue and give a brief paragraph explaining the background Describe the different OPINIONS of each issue (as represented by the two parties) Provide YOUR OPINION on the issue.