American foreign policy is a fundamental aspect of American politics. Not only does it need expertise to ensure international relationships are maintained, but thought-out planning, because each decision made may have a direct impact on Americans. Impacts such as trade deals that increase business between nations, cyber security threats against private information, and continuing threats of war. American safety and quality of life is at risk with every deal negotiated and every treaty signed. Despite this, foreign policy is devalued by the American public due to various factors such as the complexity involved in understanding the issues, lack of public awareness, and widespread apathy towards foreign policy. While foreign policy remains an …show more content…
The only threat presented by an unaware constituency is the one against our own democracy. In understanding how this is possible first American foreign policy is explored using current events as examples. Then its importance in regards to our role in the international system, the issues it involves, and the impact it has on the citizens of the United States is examined. Once American foreign policy and its importance has been inspected, the reasons for which it is undervalued in American culture, despite its tremendous importance are considered. Finally, potential problems that could arise from this lack of unawareness is given a look. Helping to form these ideas and opinions, as well as echoing some of the same arguments, I will use Kaufman and Mead and their respective arguments to illustrate how foreign policy is essential, the ways in which it is undervalued in American culture, and how, despite its tremendous importance, this will not be problematic in the international system. Ultimately I will conclude that ambivalence is not always the case, as the extraordinary can be …show more content…
This will only hold true if Americans see, or rather feel the effects of foreign policy decisions. Therefore why might these other issues, the mundane, be consequently undervalued? The only times Americans will deeply concern themselves with foreign policy is when they feel it affecting their lives directly. Wars that send soldiers to foreign countries, trade that takes American jobs overseas, and the cost of oil affecting their gas prices are all topics that Americans will easily follow, due to the perceived negative impacts they hold. American culture has a tendency to devalue the importance of foreign policy because of a general ambivalence to the issues at hand. This is because it is regarded as not being crucial to everyday life. The mundane foreign policy issues do not elicit as much of a reaction as the extraordinary ones. It is perceived as not being crucial to everyday life. The impact of foreign policy decisions is not seen as much as other domestic issues such as unemployment and the economy.Kaufman touches on the challenges Americans face in understanding foreign policy. To sum up Kaufman’s point, it isn’t easy. Understanding foreign policy is no humble feat. Even as a political science major I struggle to understand the many different theories, definitions, and concepts. To expect the public to go to such a great length to form opinions would be nothing short of a miracle.
Steven Hook and John Spanier's 2012 book titled “American foreign policy since WWII" serves as one of the most important texts that can be used in understanding the underlying complexities on American foreign policies. Like the first readings that are analyzed in class (American Diplomacy by George Kennan and Surprise, Security, and the American Experience by John Lewis Gaddis), this text also brings history into a more understandable context. Aside from being informative and concise in its historical approach, Hook and Spanier also critiques the several flaws and perspectives that occurred in the American foreign policy history since World War II.
It is somehow strange for today’s reader to find out that the situation with America’s foreign affairs hasn’t changed much. As some clever people have said, “The History book on the shelf is always repeating itself.” Even after nineteen years, Americans think of themselves as citizens of the strongest nation in the world. Even after the September the 11th. Even after Iraq. And Afghanistan.
During the "Roaring Twenties" people were living up to the modern standards of society. Then the Great Depression began and the joy and excitement disappeared and tension manifested. In the time period of 1920-1941 America experienced major global events that occurred in extremely short rapid intervals of time. From the end of World War I in 1918 to the Roaring Twenties, straight to the Great Depression in 1929, into the beginning of World War II in 1939, and all the way to the horror of the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941, America faced these occurrences with difficulty and confusion. But with the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, quick and immediate responses were made to stabilize America. Among his responses
Between 1895 and 1920, the years in which William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft, and Woodrow Wilson reigned in the presidents, the United States struggled for not only justice at home but abroad as well. During this period policies such as Roosevelt’s Big Stick diplomacy, William Taft’s Dollar diplomacy, and Woodrow Wilson’s Moral diplomacy were all used in foreign affairs in hopes of benefit for all involved. However, it would be appropriate to say that self-interest was the most important driving factor for American policy and can be exemplified through economic, social, and political relations.
The book A Concise History of U.S. Foreign Policy, by Joyce Kaufman, and the essay, American Foreign Policy Legacy by Walter Mead both acknowledge the history, and the importance of American foreign policy. The two argue that American foreign policy has always been an essential aspect of the prosperity and health of the United States. After reading these writings myself, I can agree that American foreign policy in the U.S. has always been detrimental to the success of this nation. Throughout history most Americans have had very little interest in foreign affairs, nor understood the importance. This essay will address the importance of foreign policy, why Americans have little interest in foreign affairs, and what the repercussions
...es when it comes to implementing controversial foreign policy decisions that directly affect Americans and those in different countries. The main aspect of the affair that greatly influences the United States’ government is ensuring that its past imperialistic motives do not become an integral part of American affairs once again.
When John F. Kennedy became president, he began a personal policy initiative to bring together African nationalist leaders. The policy was constructed to better the connection between the U.S. and Africa, and make an effective change in the direction of U.S. foreign relations. The Kennedy administration thought that the Cold War could be won or lost depending on whether Washington or Moscow won the hearts and minds of the Third World. During 1960-61 Africa was especially important because a wave of independence saw nineteen newly independent African states admitted into the United Nations. By 1962 both Washington and Moscow sought to add 31 of the UN's 110 member states that were from the African continent. the Cold War only deepened the need
Over the course of the history of the United States, specific foreign policies have affected the methods in which the U.S. involves itself around the globe. Specifically, certain policies have affected U.S. involvement in Latin America.
George Washington, the first president of the United States, had written a very important historical speech and document towards the end of his time in office. He had written the Farewell address which focused on helping America understand the importance of preserving unity, acknowledging the rise of political parties forming, strengthening religion and morality, and he stated his position on American foreign policy. He addressed these ideas with strong tone and used incredible amount of dictions that strengthens his tone as well as representing his appeal to ethos to a strong degree. However, today’s society seemed to forget Washington’s position on foreign policy and has created a new form of the policy. But nonetheless as time grew, change occurs. In today’s society Washington’s foreign policy would include many positive and negative manifestations, but it is still a speech and document that will always apply to America.
American foreign policy determines how America interacts with other nations. Some positives of American foreign policy are that it has helped fuel economic growth around the world and has resulted in the trade of many customs and traditions between the U.S. and other nations. Some negatives of American foreign policy are that it could lead to discrimination against a certain country if the U.S. doesn’t trade as much with them. Also, alliances could form which causes more money to be spent protecting both nations.
In, “In Spring It Is the Dawn” the author of the passage shows deep appreciation for the natural world. Each paragraph in this story implies this appreciation an example of this would be, “and even when it rains, how beautiful it is!” (Sei Shonagon pg 457) since she shows that no manner the weather the world is quite beautiful. She continues on describing each season and how she envisions the beauty in it. This story depicts winter to be a splendid time also despite the cold however she believes that, “In Spring it is the dawn that is the most beautiful. As the light creeps over the hills, their outlines are dyed a faint red and wisps of purplish cloud trail over them.” (Sei Shonagon pg 457). Another passage that highlights Lady Shonagon’s
When the constitution of the United States was formed, the framers specifically designed the American Government structure to have checks and balances and democracy. To avoid autocracy the President was give power to preside over the executive branch of the government and as commander –in –chief, in which a clause was put into place to give the president the power to appeal any sudden attacks against America, without waiting for a vote from congress. While the president presides over the executive branch there has been ongoing debate over the role of the president in regards to foreign policy. Should foreign policy issues be an executive function by the president or should congress play a much greater role? With the sluggishness of our democracy, foreign policy issues most times need quicker response compared to how domestic policy is decided in the United States. Many believe to maintain openness and democracy both the president and congress need to agree on how the United States handles issue abroad. Although the president has been given much power, his or her power and decisions are sometimes limited based on decisions by congress and challenged and shaped by various bureaucracies throughout the government system. I shall discuss the Presidents role and the role of governmental bureaucracies (Department of Defense, Department of State and the National Security Council) that work together and sometimes not together to shape and implement American foreign Policy.
In no field other than politics does the justification for action often come from a noteworthy event and the true cause stays hidden behind the headlines. The United States’ transformation from a new state to a global superpower has been a methodical journey molded by international conditions (the global terrain for statecraft), the role of institutions and their programmed actions, and ultimately, the interests of actors (the protection of participants in making policy’s items and i...
As we approach the next Presidential election the topic of American foreign policy is once again in the spotlight. In this paper, I will examine four major objectives of U.S. foreign policy that have persisted throughout the twentieth century and will discuss the effect of each on our nation’s recent history, with particular focus on key leaders who espoused each objective at various times. In addition, I will relate the effects of American foreign policy objectives, with special attention to their impact on the American middle class. Most importantly, this paper will discuss America’s involvement in WWI, WWII, and the Cold War to the anticipated fulfillment of these objectives—democracy, manifest destiny, humanitarianism, and economic expansion.
What is Foreign Policy? Foreign Policy is a nations’ attitude, actions (ie economic sanctions, peacekeeping, military activity) as well as our dealings with other countries (ie trade, immigration, aid, defence) and anything that is directed towards preserving and furthering certain national interests. Foreign Policy seeks to maintain national security, promote economic and trade interests, expand regional and global links, and promote the nation as a good global citizen.