Milton Rokeach Foreign Policy Model

Rina Mendoza

PLSC 283-001

Exam 1

1. Foreign Policy

To define foreign policy in the simplest terms, would suggest it as the guidance that state’s use to interact with the rest of the world. Using the Foreign Policy Model, in order to obtain a Grand Vision of where America desires to be, decision-makers must take into account the nation’s values and interests. Similar to foreign policy, these two components possess multiple meanings that construct envisions of the future. However, values are best defined by Milton Rokeach who states values as, “enduring beliefs that a specific mode of conduct or end state of existence is personally or socially preferable to an opposite or converse mode of conduct or end state of existence.” (Rokeach, 1973).

These values or “goods” are imperative for action that also indicates how one ought to behave. Our core beliefs or values have been defined by our Founding Fathers as Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness and the country has even today stuck by

If we did not have values, citizens of the country would not see themselves as unique as they do today and there may be less patriotism or devotion to the country. Without values, there would not be interests for policy makers to base their decisions on. Interests protect our vital and secondary values as well as stabilize power that is distributed throughout the world. Though our national interests will change depending on the circumstances with the international community, even values can be subjected to change over time. Just using values as an approach to deal with the rest of the world would halt the country’s progression in its soft power and could have the potential to create great conflict with other states. Having interests, in addition to core beliefs, will allow foreign policy makers to do what is necessary to keep the country out of