History Of American Foreign Policy

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The History of American Foreign Policy
Foreign policy can be defined simply as a government's strategy in dealing with other nations. A central function of the U.S. government is to conduct relations with the almost 200 other nations in the world. The United State's foreign policy is designed to further certain goals. It seeks to assure America’s security and defense. It seeks the power to protect and project America’s national interests around the world. According to the Foreign Policy Agenda of the U.S. Department of State, the officially stated goals of the foreign policy of the United States today are to "build and sustain a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community."
America’s foreign policy has changed over time reflecting the change in its national interest. From the time it became an independent nation to today, our nation's many different types of foreign policies can best be described when broken up into three broad categories, each with smaller subcategories within them. The three main categories are, in chronological order: isolationism (also called non-interventionism), internationalism (alliances with European and other military partners), and unilateralism (operating on its own sovereign policy decisions.) The general trend of progression regarding the evolution and history of U.S. foreign policy since the American Revolution is the shift from non-interventionism before and after World War I, to its growth as a world power and global hegemony (meaning imperial dominance achieved through using implied means of power) during and since World War II and the end of the Cold War in the 20th century.
Our nation's earliest foreign policy was one...

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...esident Woodrow Wilson promoted treaties establishing the League of Nations after World War I, but the Senate opposed the League and refused to ratify the treaties. Other times, tensions have arisen between the Congress’ power to declare war and the president’s role as commander in chief. Presidents have committed American armed forces to major conflicts such as the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf wars without a declaration of war by Congress.
The public also plays a role in influencing foreign policy. Advocacy groups for foreign countries often try to influence Congress and the president about issues. Business associations lobby the government about international economic and trade issues. Groups and individuals with strong views on certain foreign policy issues, especially military intervention, often organize protests or other political actions to influence decisions.

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