US Citizenship - Free online Course on US Citizenship
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International Arena
In broad terms, America’s foreign policies are aimed at maintaining and
promoting the favorable position and security of the United States in the
international arena. The goals of American foreign policy, however, are not
always clear. How involved should the United States be in the affairs of other
nations? Should it only use its military might to defend its borders, or should
it be involved in peacekeeping efforts around the world? Should the United
States attempt to trade “freely” with other nations, or should it enact
restrictive tariffs to protect American companies and manufacturers?
At the end of the twentieth century, there were many voices in the United States
urging political leaders to be less entangled with other nations and more
focused on internal challenges and problems. However, with the events of
September 11, 2001, the United States has been forced to pay more attention to
its enemies and allies in the world. American foreign policies have shaped in
responses to such changing realities. In this lesson, we will focus on those
that influence foreign policy and the various strategies the United States
employs in the international arena.
This lesson will Explain the powers that the Constitution gives
to the president and
Congress in foreign affairs and how these powers have been used.
Describe the process by which United States foreign policy is made,
involving federal agencies, domestic interest groups, the public, and the media.
Analyze the various ways that United States foreign policy is carried out,
for example, diplomatic, economic, military, and humanitarian.
Describe the impact of the United States’ concepts of democracy and
individual rights on the world.
Explain how United States domestic politics affect United States foreign
policy.
Explain how developments in other nations affect United States society and
life.
Describe the role of the United States in international organizations.
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