Prioritizing and clarifying are two of the United States biggest conflicts, encountering great difficulty when attempting to define its national interest. National interest is the establishment of identity and purpose of the country; it is a multi-faceted idea that is made of several ideologies set forth by the country’s most influential leaders and parties. It is assumed to be what is best for the country (Rosati, 2010, p.2). Concerns of economic growth, wealth, military affairs, survival, and security are all integral players in determining what is important in regards to national interest. Power, prosperity, peace, and principles are also elements of important domestic concerns. The idea of national interest can easily be considered vague because of the many issues being weighed however; national interest can be narrowed down into four levels that of which include vital interests, extremely important interests, “just” important interests, and less important or secondary interests; according to a report: The Commission on America's National Interests[1]. The levels are listed in descending order of importance, becoming less significant and less effective on the country and the American people. Even though each level of U.S. national interest holds different levels of importance, they are yet equal in clarity, which helps to sustain a successful American foreign policy, for in order to have an effective foreign policy there must be precise sense of national interest, in other words, the task is to write the vision and make it plain. The vital level of national interest holds the top heavy circumstances that directly affect the nation. Vital national interests are conditions that are strictly necessary to safeguard and enhanc... ... middle of paper ... ...timately threatening the allying relationship between the US and Israel. In all, national interest must be clear and concise so the leaders can easily navigate to solutions when such issues arise, it is not an easy task yet it is the right direction to successful American foreign policy. [1] The Commission on America's National Interests is a report about the domestic concerns that are ongoing in this country. The report was started by a bipartisan group of Americans who believe the lack of American International leadership will cause threats to the lives of the citizens in means of value, fortune, and well-being. Works Cited (Ellsworth, July 2000) America's National Interests: A Report from The Commission on America's National Interests, 2000. Washington, D.C.: Report for Commission on America's National Interests, July 2000. (55 pp.)
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.
In conclusion, this extensive review of American foreign policy is just very broad. This topic is his shortened summary of a broad topic in a narrative arrangement, if they contributed anything to the historical understanding of this book. Ambrose and Brinkley made the topic very fascinating and easier to comprehend than a plain textbook. By writing Rise to Globalism and narrating stories without including unnecessary truths and statistics. Thanks to this book, I gained a more thorough understanding of the struggles in the Middle East after Vietnam and a new perception on where American presently stands in the world.
...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.
The 65-year evolution of the National Security Advisor (NSA) and the National Security Council (NSC) staff into an influential shaper of US foreign policy reflects an acceptance by successive iterations of national leadership that America’s place in the world necessitates a small, yet decisive body capable of producing viable options to deal with a complex world. Although its prominence has ebbed and flowed from administration to administration (and even within individual terms of office), the overall assessment remains that the NSC staff, and by extent the NSA, stand as “attractive tool[s]” for presidential political and policy maneuverings. Their importance is also rooted in historical reasons as well.
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 my paper I argue that the US violation of a country’s sovereignty should come only after a careful consideration and deep investigation of the reasons behind an international conflict. Moreover, all interventions should be based on specific achievable end-goals and strategies. Also, US military campaigns’ rationale should suit America’s vital national self-interest, as I define it later. Several reasons support such an international policy:
Throughout the course of American history, business-related interests have played a predominant role in influencing foreign policy. Foreign policy determines how America conducts its relations with other countries. It is designed to further certain goals such as security and trade. More importantly foreign policy seeks to ensure America’s security and defense and its ability to protect America’s national interests around the world. National interests that shape foreign policy covers a wide range of political, economic, military, ideological, and humanitarian fields. This is the stand the United States has taken in the last decades in regards to foreign policy. While the US government conducts its foreign policy, the public is kept purposefully unaware of the motives behind some major decisions it takes and most of the operations related to foreign policy. Even though the US foreign policy is set to protect its well being and to spread democracy, I think the US foreign policy is not only influenced by business but is controlled by those with these business-related interests as well. In this essay I will argue the magnitude of the influence of business on foreign policy in the United Sates government.
American interests were the main priority, the sentiment of superiority and entitlement that was greatly shared among Americans would influence the manner in which foreign relations would be
Without understanding the importance of foreign relations the American people’s way of life could be at stake. Not only could the economic strength of the U.S. diminish, but the military might of the U.S. could also be compromised. Mead argues that without the centrality of foreign policy being evident in American politics the happiness of the world is at risk. “Since the United States has become the central power in a worldwide system of finance, communications, and trade, it is not only the American people whose happiness and security will be greatly affected by the quality of American foreign policy in coming years (Mead 176). I contend that without a strong emphasis on foreign policy, we could begin to see the end of American
To understand the power struggle relating to foreign policymaking, it is crucial to understand what foreign policy entails. The Foreign Policy Agenda of the U.S. Department of State declares the goals of foreign policy as "to build and sustain a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community." While this definition is quite vague, the actual tools of foreign policy include Diplomacy, foreign aid, and military force.
Over the last few decades, I and fellow French diplomats have noticed a change in the American foreign policy. America is no longer just stretching within its own borders but showing interests in neighboring countries and the affairs of European countries in these other countries. The American foreign policy appears to be dominated by the interest of progressing humanity.The idea of progressing humanity comes from the American belief of freedom for all and spreading the American political ideas.
says that national interests should be characterized by real politik. A viewpoint that U.S. foreign
countries. The Israel Lobby has a great deal of negative influence on US foreign policy. The
... our country’s safety and peace, more importantly there are too many important values that we cannot neglect if we want to establish a strong and united nation.