American Foreign Policy - Essay Example

This form of power is often employed by a country having more economic and military power over its subject. This form of power is usually achieved by use of rewards such as economic inducements, promises of military support and alliances or through threats of punishment such as economic sanctions, coercive diplomacy and military interventions. The article ‘The Practice of Foreign Policy” clearly illustrates the concept of hard power adopted by the U.S. government over the past few years. The article brings to light the growing number of countries that have at one time or another experienced intrusion or use of hard power by the U.S. government.

It highlights the growing discontent among countries such as Syria over president Obama’s wayward policies. In addition, the article analyses America’s stance towards war and use of diplomacy (“The Practice of Foreign Policy” 1). The U.S has been accused of spying Brazil and other countries, which basically is a form of hard power. The armed forces are described as “peerless”, illustrating hard power. In Syria, the U.S. government considered the possibility of a military assault following the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian president.

However, this move was voted down by the Congress. This illustrates use of hard power. The U.S. . government has specific interest in oil, Islamic terrorism, Israel and Iran. The U.S. government has placed a number of sanctions on Iran over its nuclear power program. This illustrates hard power (“The Practice of Foreign Policy” 2). Soft power as earlier described is a situation whereby a country uses persuasive tactics such as co-opting with other countries in order to influence their interests or behavior.

Soft power is becoming more and more common in the world today. The article suggests that through developing good strategies and implementing them, the Obama administration can restore confidence and win back people. Soft power can also be enhanced by use of diplomacy. The number of diplomats ought to be increased as well as taking interest in their recommendations (“The Practice of Foreign Policy” 2). The article “Making up; Soft Power” illustrates use of hard power. The U.S. invasion of Iraq in the fight against al-Qaeda has been termed as use of hard power. The U.S.

government used raw power in an effort to crush the outlawed group. The America’s interest was to fight terrorism. The U.S government has been criticized on many occasions for meddling with the Middle East, yet, it does so little to solve underlying problems. In Libya, the U.S. government exercised hard power by ousting the then president Muammar Qaddaffi from power. The U.S. has interest in humanitarian welfare following Muammar’s threats to kill innocent civilians. The article also raises concerns over the U.S. government’s widespread spying by the NSA.

Spying illustrates use of hard power. In 2003, the U.S, invaded Iraq. Its interest was twofold; arresting proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and show of power or might (“Making up; Soft Power” 1). The