1. Defining National Interest
Security Interests
Economic Interests
Ideological Interests
Interest means value, benefit or advantage. National interest is a combination of the security, economic and ideological concerns of a nation.
Different nations have different concerns. A developed nation such as the United States will have different national interests than a developing nation. Developing nations are most likely to be interested in the survival of their people and their nation. Their interest will be in feeding and protecting their people. Developed nations such as Japan and the United States tend to be most interested in the growth of their economies. Political leaders define national interests. As political leadership changes in a country, so does the national interest.

2. Security Interests
A nation’s concern about security depends on its perception of a threat against it.
Ensure physical survival of nation
Army
Maintain relations with Allies
Join military and other alliances
Maintain internal social order
Citizens safe from violence and crime
A main concern for all nations is the survival of that nation. All nations want to preserve their country. Nations with natural borders such as oceans and mountains will have less of a problem with security. Also nations with friendly neighbors will have less security interest. Countries such as those in the Middle East have a high interest in security. Nations can help ensure their physical survival by funding and maintaining as army and joining military alliances. A security interest is also to keep the peace at home. Most nations have a type of national guard which helps to protect the homeland in case of internal strife.

3. Economic Interests Provide citizens with adequate standard of living
Basic necessities of life (food, water, shelter, health care)
Ensure economic development and growth
A nation’s economic interest will vary according to the availability of resources and the development of those resources. Developing countries lack agricultural methods to farm efficiently, lack infrastructure to develop industry, and tend to trade raw materials or cash crops for food and technology.
Developed nations produce a variety of products, generally produce more than needed and export goods for raw materials, finished goods or money.
Economic development depends on ability to buy and sell products abroad
Economic interests determined by wants and needs of citizens, products to sell, state of economies

4. Establishing trade relations with other nations
Determined by wants and needs of citizens, types of products to sell and development of economies

5. Ideological Interests
Beliefs, values, culture, religion, and history
Supporting a way of life at home and promoting it abroad
Protecting the cultural and religious heritage of a nation
Close ties with religion and government
Promoting a system of government at home and abroad
Ideological interests are those beliefs held by a people living in a nation. People are protective of their way of life and want to preserve it. They often will preach to other nations and encourage others to join their way of life.

6. Developing Foreign Policy
A nation’s power in the area of foreign policy is determined mainly by its technological capabilities and geopolitical factors. Geopolitical factors are a combination of geopolitical and population characteristics. Leaders try to balance a nation’s immediate needs with its long term goals.

7. U.S. Foreign Policy Goals
Protect U.S. and Americans
                           
Advance Global Interests
                            
Protect America: Threats to the safety and prosperity of Americans must be faced at home and abroad.
Advance Global Interests: to advance democracy, human rights, and other global interests. The State Department promotes democracy and human rights worldwide. Efforts include issues such as security, health, environment, and refugees. Promote International understanding of American values and policies such as Basic human values, such as the importance of family, are shared by Americans as well as people in foreign countries. The State Department works to increase this understanding. Support U.S. diplomats, government officials, and all other personnel at home and abroad who make these goals a reality. The Foreign Service and the Civil Service in the State Department in Washington, DC, and overseas work together to make American foreign policy happen. Go to State Department Web site and show programs for youth
Promote International Understanding
Support Foreign and Civil Services

8. Power and the Pursuit of National Interest
Power is a nation’s ability to influence others.
The United States is probably the most powerful nation in the world today.

9. Theories of power
1.Nations will act to prevent any one country from becoming too powerful
2.Weaker countries ally themselves with powerful ones to gain more influence in the world and to receive protection from its stronger ally.
1. If one country becomes too strong, others will shift alliances to prevent the stronger nation from using or abusing its power.
2. Weaker countries will join with more powerful countries for protection and security.

10. Why are nations powerful?
1. Strategic location - Panama
2. Valuable resources – Middle East
3. Strong, diversified economies - Japan
4. Strong militaries - Israel
5. People sacrifice anything for nation’s goals
Most powerful nations have many of these characteristics. But, any powerful nation must have either economic or military power to be a major player in the world.
2. Some nations occupy strategic locations or control valuable resources which give them power and influence over other countries.
3.4 Other nations are powerful because they have strong economies or militaries. In today’s world having a strong economy is more important than having a strong military. The most powerful nations in the world today are powerful because of their economic policies, rather than their military might.
5. Sometimes a nation is willing to sacrifice everything to achieve their national goals. Example, Japan and U.S. during WWII.

11. Do any nations have absolute power?
Why? Why Not?
In today’s world a nation needs to form alliances and be a good neighbor to remain powerful.

12. All power is relative to that of other countries and is based on several factors. (power is a nation’s ability to influence other nations)
Influence can be positive or negative. It can cause other nations to become allies or enemies.

13. Power Factors 1. Economic Power 2. Military Power 3. Geography
4. Modern Technology
5. National Resolve
Powerful nations are more likely to reach their policy goals than less powerful countries. Remember power in this context refers to a nation’s ability to influence others. Also remember that no nation has absolute power, the amount of power a country has is relative to that of other countries and based on a number of factors including those above.

14. Economic Power A strong, diverse economy is key for success
Must maintain relations with allies to buy, sell and trade goods.
As globalization becomes more and more of a factor, maintaining good relations with other nations is key to having a growing economy. Nations rely on each other to help their economies grow by trading with one another.
A country attempting to provide everything from within its borders will grow economically at a slower rate than a country trading with others.

15. Economic strength determines:
Global power and influence
Japan after WWII
Ensures a nation’s survival
High unemployment/poverty can destabilize countries and governments (Yugoslavia, Soviet Union)
Citizens repressed by government can rebel
Provides jobs and decent standard of living/
People content
Japan was a hollow country after WWII. It did not have infrastructure to build manufacturing. Its ports were destroyed and much of the nation needed shelter and food. With the help of its allies and former enemies, Japan was able to come back after WWI and become one of the most powerful economies in the world.
Many leaders now believe that a healthy economy not only provides a good living for citizens, but also helps a country’s national security. Citizens who are rebelling can destabalize a country and its government.
What is an example of this? Poland as seen in the film.

16. Military Power Security threats Size of force Nuclear weapons
Protect against invasion
Size of force
Relative to needs and perception of threat
Nuclear weapons
Can yield power – use as tool in negotiations with other countries
U.S./N.Korea agreement stop nuclear weapons program in exchange for U.S. financial aid in building nuclear power plant
Although economic power is becoming more and more important, a strong military is still an important factor in a nation’s pursuit of power.
A military is needed for security threats to protect a country against invasion, and help allies defend their countries.
The size of a nation’s force is determined by a country’s needs and perception of vulnerability.
Nuclear weapons are not only used as a military threat, but as a bargaining chip to negotiate with other countries. North Korea has been bargaining with the U.S. regarding nuclear weapons for several years. It is now negotiating for more than the power plants. Negotiations have covered everything from energy to trade.

17. Geography Geopolitics - the influence of geography and demographics
Geopolitics, the influence of geography and demographics plays an important role in determining a country’s economic and military strength. A definition from the dictionary is : A combination of geographic and political factors relating to or influencing a nation or region. Geopolitics emphasizes the role geography plays in international politics. In other words, the land where people live influences its people and the way they view and interact with the rest of the world.

18. Large nation advantage
Mineral resources
Fertile soil
Diverse terrain
Variety of climates
Ability to diversify economy
Ability to rally nation behind leaders
Larger nations have advantages over smaller nations. A nation with more land will naturally have more diverse resources. This helps when one part of the country is not able to produce what it usually does. The rest of the country can make up the difference. Earthquakes in the early 1980’s devistated parts of California, disrupting grape and orange growers, as well as shutting down several important industries in the San Francisco area. Other areas of the country were able to produce more goods to stop a shortage of these goods.

19. Small nations must have a valuable resource other nations need and want
To be able to develop a small country must have a resource that other nations want and need. This can range from oil in the Middle East to tourism in small European countries.

20. Modern Technology
Many experts feel this is the dominant factor to compete economically and militarily
Crucial to economic and social development
In the 21st century, all nations must be able to compete in the global market. Without technology a nation cannot compete. Countries need technology to communicate, manufacture, buy and sell goods. The United Nations as well as other international organizations such as the World Bank have programs to help developing countries gain technology to help their economies.

21. NATIONAL RESOLVE Common beliefs of a nation and desire to achieve them
Appeals to nationalism, ideology, or religion to mobilize people to work for a nation’s goals.
Threats to national security can increase resolve
WWII Japan built a war torn nation into a global economic power. Japan emerged as an economic force in the 1970’s with their technologically advanced manufacturing and production. People in Poland resolved to overturn a communist government and institute democratic reforms. Israel has a lot of national resolve to continue their state and try to bring peace to the people living in the country. The former Russian republics are now instituting government reforms which have proven very hard on the people. After 9-11 the United States rallied and Congress voted to take away some of our freedoms to help protect the nation. Few people have complained about the removal of these freedoms. The USA Patriot Act is up for renewal now. See what happens

22. Tools of Foreign Policy
Look...up in the sky...it's a bird...it's a plane...no, it's the USA ! Able to leap tall buildings with a single bound...more powerful than a locomotive...faster than a speeding bullet...and who disguised as NATO, fights a never-ending battle for truth, justice, and the American Way while policing the entire world.

23. Propaganda
One-sided or exaggerated information used by a nation to gain both national and international support for its policies or to discredit the policies of an adversary.
Newspapers Books
Internet Radio
Television
Used to influence public opinion North Korean propaganda of a soldier destroying the US Capitol

24. U.S. Propaganda

25. Formal contacts between national governments
Diplomacy
Formal contacts between national governments
Business between nations conducted through diplomats
arrange trade and shipping agreements
serve as resource people for visiting citizens
conducted under strict international rules

26. Diplomacy
1. Ambassadors - highest ranking diplomats. They represent the opinions and interests of their country to the host government
2. Diplomatic recognition – one nation recognizing the right of another government to exist
Recalling Diplomats – when one nation strongly disapproves of another nation’s policies, diplomats may be ordered home (extreme measure)
Expelling Diplomats – diplomats and their families cannot be arrested or tried for a crime in the host nation – diplomatic immunity Host government will expel diplomats when disagreeing or serious crime has been committed (spying)

27. Diplomacy
Cultural and Scientific Exchanges –extend goodwill – groups exchanged for cultural and scientific purposes
Negotiations and Treaties – talks held to try to resolve problems peacefully. Formalize solutions by writing a treaty. Bilateral Treaty – formal agreement between two nations. Multilateral treaty – formal agreement between three or more nations.
Summits – Meeting between heads of state. Attempt to foster cooperation among nations, resolve problems, lay groundwork.

28. Trade Relations
Trade agreements between nations to reduce or eliminate trade restrictions on each other’s goods promotes stability and growth in the economies of both nations.
Restrictions on trade can be used to show disapproval of the policies of a nation
Trade relations often reflect the state of political relations between nations.

29. Trade Relations
Establishing Trade Relations – Shows cooperation between nations after a period of tension. Opens communication while political differences are worked out.
Restrictions on Trade – restrict for 2 reasons
1. Protect a domestic industry
2. Discriminate against products exported to
another nation
Trade restrictions take two basic forms
1. Tariffs Quotas
Trade Agreements – Used to gain access to another country’s market.
Purpose:
reduce or eliminate tariffs
stimulate trade in new goods and services

30. Trade Relations
Trade Agreements – Used to gain access to another country’s market.
Purpose:
reduce or eliminate tariffs
stimulate trade in new goods and services
GATT – General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade - multilateral trade agreement
(multilateral trade agreement – agreement between ____________________ countries)

31. Foreign Aid
Foreign Aid provides economic and military aid to undeveloped countries to foster economic development, gain and protect allies, and promote internal stability. Aid can come in the form of cash, equipment, or technical advice. Foreign aid falls into two categories:
Economic
Military

32. Foreign Aid
Economic Aid – usually cash grants or loans. Can also be food, farming equipment, or technical assistance
Developing nations build power plants, farming methods, develop industries
World Bank and other international organizations (multilateral aid)
Individual countries – bilateral aid

33. Foreign Aid
Military Aid – Often cash grants for developing a stronger defense
- may also include weapons, training programs, or military advisers.
- used to help friendly governments stay in power or to aid potential allies in efforts to overthrow a hostile government.

34. Alliances
Multilateral agreements among nations to protect each other in case of attack
Offers mutual protection and support of common interests
More power militarily and politically (very important to smaller nations)
NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization – most powerful military alliance today – formed in 1949 –just added former S.U. countries.

35. International and Regional Organizations
International Organization - Made up of every nation that wishes to participate
Regional Organization – Made up of nations in one particular area of the world
Role is to 1. provide a forum for addressing problems that affect all nations and 2. act as players in the international arena

36. International and Regional Organizations
International Organizations
United Nations (U.N.) – most prominent international organization. Primary purpose is to promote peace. Large nations – discuss different national interest. Small nations – equal opportunity to express views.

37. International and Regional Organizations
Regional Organizations – members located in a particular region of the world.
European Union (EU) includes most western European nations as well as some eastern European nations. It provides economic cooperation among its members.
Organization of American States (OAS)established to promote the joint interests of North American and South American nations.
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was founded so smaller nations could compete with superpowers on economic and political issues.

38. Boycotts and Sanctions
Hostile actions taken against nations
The most severe form of action that can be taken against a nation short of military actions – can be considered an act of war.

39. Boycotts and Sanctions
Boycott – decision to abstain from buying certain goods to try to force a nation to change its policies or a refusal to participate in international events or meetings. (Moscow Olympics 1980)
Sanction – action taken by one nation to force another nation to comply with international law or to change its policies. (Iraq vs. Kuwait 1990, Haiti )

40. Military Force
Gain territory, reclaim lost land, extend power over another group, spread religion, settle disputes.
Military force is used in other ways to support foreign policy – warning, challenge to sovereignty.

41. Military Force Show of strength – position troops around world
Keep an eye on a situation to keep a threat from occurring or escalating

42. Military Force
Terrorism – acts of violence, taking hostages, or setting off bombs in public places. Carried out by nongovernmental groups to gain attention for their political causes
May receive money, equipment, or moral support from a government

43. Military Force
Limited Military Response –Short term military actions to force another nation to back down in a specific dispute
Warns offending natin that it is risking full-scale war and alerts world community that a nation is willing to fight for its security and ideals. (1986 Tripoli, Libya in response to nation’s alleged role in terrorist attack in West Germany that killed American soldiers)

44. Military Force
War – If all efforts for solving a conflict fail, nations go to war.
Cost of war is great
Individuals
Society
Economies
Foreign Policy tool of last resort