1. Making Foreign Policy

2. The President and Foreign Policy
Foreign Policy: a nation’s overall plan for dealing with other nations
The most basic goal of American foreign policy is national security, the ability to keep the country safe from attack
No govt. can effectively meet other goals if the nation is under attack; quality of life?

3. Other Foreign Policy Goals
International Trade: trade is vital to today’s global economy and American prosperity, trade makes markets for American products and jobs for American workers
World Peace: war away from the US can disrupt trade and endanger American national security, examples?
Promote Democracy and Capitalism: promoting democracy, trade, and basic human rights around the world encourages peace; how?

4. Foreign Policy Structure
President and Vice-President work with the State Dept., the Defense Dept., the CIA, and the National Security Council to make policy decisions
These agencies give the President valuable information, can carry out decisions around the world, and can develop new solutions
President must choose among conflicting advice from these agencies, result?
Power over foreign policy divided between Congress and the President
Declaring war vs. commander in chief
Paying for the military
War Powers Resolution

5. Tools of Foreign Policy
Creating Treaties and Executive Agreements: treaties are formal agreements between 2 or more countries, can deal with trade or defense, must be approved by Senate; NATO, NAFTA; for smaller matters a President may use an executive agreement
Appointing Ambassadors: ambassadors are an official representative of a country's government; ambassadors are only sent to countries where the US recognizes the legal existence of the government; North Korea, Cuba

6. More Tools of Foreign Policy
Foreign Aid: money, food, military assistance, or other supplies give to help other countries
Good?
Bad?
International Trade: President can negotiate rules for trade
trade sanctions
embargo, Cuba
Military Force: military can be used to carry out some foreign policy decisions, must be used with care
A long running peace vigil/protest outside of the White House