American Foreign Affairs/Policy
What is IT? Foreign affairs are the nations interacting and relationships with other countries. It has evolved significantly over the USA’s 235 year history. Isolationism-American policy of staying out of foreign affairs. Not practical or possible today Following World War II the United States emerged as the richest, strongest nation in the world. In order to maintain that status, it needed to be engaged globally to maintain that status and fight off rivals and threats
President of the United States- Commander in Chief
The Executive The head of the executive is the President. The modern Presidency has many roles, one which includes steering the “ship of state” in foreign affairs The President in Chief Diplomat and commander in chief He depends on a numerous deputies to help him make the best decisions.
The State Department
FORMER Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Current Secretary of State-John F. Kerry
The State Department Headed by Secretary of State Helps the President with foreign affairs The President appoints the nominee to lead “state” and the senate confirms Located in neighborhood of “Foggy Bottom” in Washington, DC
The Secretary of State The most important cabinet position Thomas Jefferson was the first Sec of State Others have been Madeline Albright, Colin Powell, Condolezza Rice, Henry Kissinger The are in charge of all issues within the Department of State
Departments within “state” Ambassadors-an official representative of the USA appointed by the President to represent the USA in another country. An AWESOME job They serve in what’s called an “Embassy.” 180 American Embassy’s globally and about 120 Consular Offices They encourage trade, advise people how to get into the USA, help Americans in that country, and gather intelligence
The Foreign Service 6000 Americans serve in Embassy’s throughout the USA Very difficult to be accepted You move to your country assignment for a few years, learn language, culture Then off to another country You work and help run embassy The Right of Legation-the right to send and receive diplomats
Passports The State department also issues passports You MUST have a passport to leave the USA and to enter another nation A passport entitles the bearer to be allowed into another country, usually Often times you’ll need a travel visa to enter another country, in addition to passport
Visa
Diplomatic Immunity If you are an American travelling abroad you MUST, MUST follow the laws of the nation you are visiting. Your American rights don’t count. Unless….. Granted to diplomats (ambassador, foreign service officer, their families) This means they may not be taxed, arrested, sued You are there in good faith so you cannot commit crimes If you do…you’re considered “Persona Non Grata” and expelled from the country The land, offices, anything within an Embassy is considered sovereign territory of that nation. For example, the Embassy and grounds of the US Embassy in Beijing, China is considered American territory and vice versa