Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy Foreign Policy is the overall plan for dealing with other nations. (whereas, domestic policy is our plan for dealing with the issues/needs within our borders.) Foreign Policy essentially deals with five (5) main goals for the United States

1. National Security The number one goal of foreign policy is maintaining national security, or the ability to keep the country safe from attack or harm.

2. International Trade Supporting international trade is a key goal of the President’s foreign policy. It helps create new markets for American goods and provides jobs for American workers.

3. World Peace Promoting world peace helps keep the United States safe and our vital trade flowing.

4. Foreign Aid Providing foreign aid (help or assistance) to countries in need. Foreign aid comes in many forms… Economic (Money) Humanitarian (Food, water or shelter) Military (Soldiers helping after a disaster) Advice (How to create a democracy)

5. Democracy The desire to promote democracy around the world also helps protect the peace and security of the United States.

President’s Powers Article II Section 2 of the Constitution gives the President authority to conduct the nation’s foreign policy. The President’s powers include: Utilizing the Military, Treaty-making, Diplomatic power As Commander in Chief, the President can order the military into action. The War Powers Act of 1973 states that the President has the authority to send troops anywhere in the world for 60 days, without Congressional approval. Only Congress can declare war.

President’s Powers The President can sign treaties with other nations (which must be approved by the Senate). A treaty is a written agreement between two nations. They can be signed to end wars, assist other nations or establish trade agreements.

Foreign Policy Bureaucracy Some bureaucracies (federal agencies) that were created to assist the President with foreign policy: Secretary of State (State Department) Secretary of Defense (Defense Department) Central Intelligence Agency (“CIA”) National Security Council (“NSC”)

Congress Provides a Balance The Senate must approve all treaties between the U.S. and other countries by a two-thirds (2/3) vote Only Congress has the power to declare war

Foreign Policy Tools Treaties, or formal agreements between nations, are vital tools to keep foreign policy.

Foreign Policy Tools While the Senate must approve all treaties, the President can issue an “executive agreement” with other leaders in the world. Does not require Senate approval.

Foreign Policy Tools Ambassadors, or official representatives of a country’s government are very important in foreign policy. The U.S. currently has over 150 ambassadors in nations it recognizes (or accepts as legitimate)

Foreign Policy Tools Foreign aid to nations in need of money, food, supplies, or military assistance is a very important foreign policy tool that we use.

Foreign Policy Tools International trade allows the President to make agreements with other nations concerning trade and trade rules.

Foreign Policy Tools The U.S. can place trade sanctions (or efforts to punish another nation by imposing trade barriers) on nations if necessary.

Foreign Policy Tools Nations can also set up an embargo, or agreement among a group of nations that prohibit them all from trading with a target nation.

Foreign Policy Tools Finally, the president can use military force to carry out some foreign policy decisions.

Foreign Policy Tools Military Force can be used to protect nations or punish other nations. This option has been used numerous times, but military force is always the last resort.