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Foreign Policy Module Overview

Defining foreign policy Foreign policy is the goals that a state’s officials seek to attain abroad, the values that give rise to those objectives, and the means or instruments used to pursue them. Foreign vs. domestic policy: foreign policy is externally focused, whereas domestic policy sets strategies internal to the United States.

Objectives of U.S. foreign policy the protection of the U.S. and its citizens the maintenance of access to key resources and markets the preservation of a balance of power in the world the protection of human rights and democracy

Types of foreign policy trade diplomacy sanctions military or defense intelligence foreign aid global environmental policy

Challenges in foreign policy There is no true world-level authority dictating how the nations of the world should relate to one another. Different countries have different views about the role of government in people’s lives. Different countries have varying ideas about the appropriate form of government. Many new foreign policy issues transcend borders. Varying conditions of the different countries in the world affect what is possible in foreign policy and diplomatic relations.

Broadly focused U.S. foreign policy Broadly focused foreign policy outputs typically bring more involvement from Congress and other world leaders. They often require large-scale spending and take a long time to implement. These policy outputs can be: public laws the periodic reauthorization of the foreign policy agencies the foreign policy budget international agreements the appointment process for new executive officials and ambassadors

Sharply focused U.S. foreign policy Sharply focused foreign policy outputs are faster, tend to be led by the president, and are easier for future policymakers to undo. These policy outputs can be: the deployment of troops and/or intelligence agents in a crisis the presidential summit the passage of an emergency funding measure for a specific national security task

Role of Congress in foreign policy, part 1 In broadly focused foreign policy outputs: Congress enacts public laws which affect more than a single individual. The War Powers Resolution (1973) was Congress's attempt to reinsert itself in war-making; the president needs congressional approval to continue any military campaign beyond 60 days. Foreign policy and defense budgets are parts of the discretionary budget, the section of the national budget that Congress vets and decides on each year.

Role of Congress in foreign policy, part 2 In sharply focused foreign policy outputs: Emergency spending does involve Congress through its power of the purse. Congress usually gives presidents what is needed to deal with emergencies. Congress usually passes at least one emergency spending measure per year that needs to be signed by the president, often providing funding for natural disasters.

Shared power in foreign policymaking Presidents are more empowered by the Constitution in foreign than in domestic policy, but nonetheless must seek approval from Congress on a variety of matters. Most foreign policy instruments require inter-branch approval to go into effect. Presidents lead, to be sure, but they must consult with and engage Congress on many matters of foreign policy; ignoring this might make matters more difficult. Shared power creates an incentive for the branches to cooperate.

Leading role of the president in foreign policy Presidents lead more in foreign policy than in domestic policy. The Constitution names the president as the commander in chief of the military, the nominating authority for executive officials and ambassadors, and the initial negotiator of foreign agreements and treaties. The president is the agenda-setter for foreign policy and may move unilaterally in some instances. Presidents were gradually given more authority to enter into international agreements without Senate consent by using the executive agreement.

Foreign policy among House and Senate members Individual House and Senate members rarely venture into foreign policy. Their focus is on domestic matters because there is not much to be gained with their constituents by pursuing foreign policy matters. They must be responsive to their constituents in order to be good representatives and to achieve re-election.

Actors engaging in foreign policy U.S. foreign policy may be carried out by: president and vice president chief of staff secretary of state, secretary of defense, and secretary of homeland security national security advisor U.S. trade representative chair, joint chiefs of staff director of national intelligence (to whom the CIA director reports)

U.S. foreign policy: classic schools of thought The classic schools of thought are: isolationism the idealism vs. realism debate liberal internationalism hard vs. soft power the grand strategy of U.S. foreign policy

U.S. foreign policy: contemporary schools of thought The contemporary schools of thought are: neo-conservatism neo-isolationism selective engagement

How to study for this course Read the syllabus or schedule of assignments regularly. Understand key terms; look up and define all unfamiliar words and terms. Take notes on your readings, assigned media, and lectures. Discuss topics with classmates. Review your notes routinely. Make flow charts and outlines from your notes to help you study for assessments. Complete all course assessments.

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