The Foreign Policy - Research Paper Example

The Foreign Policy Foreign policy is defined as the relationships, which the central government has with other nations, its central governments, and international organizations (intergovernmental and non-governmental). The main purpose of foreign policy is to influence the conduct of other central governments (Damerow, 2012). Given the inherent threats in the international system, America has come together to accomplish its common aims in foreign policy. The concepts of historical memories and national interest play an important role in the foreign policy. The main purposes of the American foreign policy are the creation of a better world, prosperity, and security (Lowi, Ginsberg, Shepsle, and Ansolabehere, 2010). Security has been a major concern for the people of the United States and most of its foreign policies are based on issues of security, that is, the protection of the American citizens and its interests. Thus, security is an issue that the foreign policy seeks to address. Since the 19th century, America has attempted to address the issue in a number of ways. For instance, in the 19th century, the policy was based on isolationism (avoiding involvement in other nation’s affairs) (Lowi et al., 2010). The best way to deal with issue of security in the foreign policy is to seek a common ground with the parties concerned. Such a move will help both the United States and the nation of interest to maintain good foreign relations. It is also important that the key players approach the issues in a peaceful and more diplomatic way. For instance, the administration of Bush Senior was more peaceful and diplomatic in its quest to see the Persian Gulf policy go through. Key Players of the Foreign Policy The principal players of the American foreign policy are the president and his top advisers. Other important players include the courts, interest groups, media, trade associations, the Congress, and parties. The key advisers to the president include the heads of the departments of Treasury, Homeland Security, Defense, and State and head of agencies such as the National Security Council, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the Joint Chiefs (Lowi et al., 2010). The Role and Functions of the Key Players The executive branch and the president play an important role in the development of a foreign policy, and they are responsible for executing it. With the consent and the advice of the Senate, the president appoints ambassadors and makes treaties. The president is capable of holding summit meetings with the global leaders. Through the executive order and acting as the commander in chief of the military, the president can quickly project the United States power around the world. In making the American foreign policy, the president depends on the advice from the National Security Council (Constitutional Rights Foundation, 2012). The secretary of state is the head of the United States State Department, and usually represents the president in other nations. The Department of State assists the secretary of state in playing his or her role as the chief foreign adviser of the president, and the main executor of the foreign policy (Harris and Tichenor, 2009). The Department of State executes the foreign policy decisions, and assists in the development of a foreign policy for every area of the universe. The Congress also plays a significant role in the development of the American foreign policy through its powers to regulate immigration and foreign commerce, set tariffs and duties on foreign imports and exports, and even declares war. However, the major role of the Congress is to accept, change, or reject policies suggested by the president (Constitutional Rights Foundation, 2012). The Supreme Court, on the other hand, has a limited function in foreign policy. It possesses jurisdiction over cases involving maritime and admiralty laws, treaties, public ministers, and ambassadors. The court also plays the role of deciding disputes between foreign states and states and their subjects and citizens. The public also plays a significant role in influencing the foreign policy’s behavior. Advocacy groups for foreign nations regularly attempt to influence the president and the Congress about issues. On the other hand, business associations lobby the government concerning trade issues and international economic (Constitutional Rights Foundation, 2012). The Political Influence and Impact of Two Key Players on the Foreign Policy The president and the Congress constantly make interactions, and influence one another. They have significant influence in the making of the foreign policy through their roles and functions. For instance, a sudden action by the foreign government or present events in a foreign country usually challenges the interests of the United States. Through his top advisers, the president generally responds to these events and therefore begins the process of making the foreign policy. The Congress normally supports the President, but on several occasions, it may seek a change in the policy. On 2 August 1990, President Bush reacted to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait through the full application of economic sanctions against the Iraqi government (Grimmett, 1999). In support of the president decisions, the Congress authorized the utilization of the United States Armed Forces to implement the resolutions of the UN Security Council in January 1991 (Grimmett, 1999). The ultimate impact of the sanctions was continued fighting between the Arab nations and Iraq who wanted to deny Iraq their freedom (Kaufman, 2009). At times, the Congress can pressure the executive into following a particular direction in foreign policy. This is usually done by threatening the executive that it will pass the legislation even though it has not enacted or through other means. For instance, on 9 June 1998, the Congress endorsed the Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act “which would have imposed various sanctions on foreign entities that aided Iran’s efforts to develop ballistic missiles” (Grimmett, 1999). However, President Clinton rejected the act on 23 June 1998. The impact of the bill if it was passed would have instigated the Clinton Administration to coerce Russia into curtailing its technological help to Iran’s ballistic missile program (Grimmett, 1999). In other words, the passing of the act could have affected the intergovernmental relations between United States and Russia. References Constitutional Rights Foundation. (2012). War and international law: America’s foreign policy: A brief history. Retrieved from http://www.crf-usa.org/war-in-iraq/foreign-policy.html Damerow, H. (2012). US foreign policy. Retrieved from http://faculty.ucc.edu/egh-damerow/US%20Foreign%20Policy.htm Grimmett, R. F. (1999). Foreign policy roles of the president and Congress. Retrieved from http://infousa.state.gov/government/forpolicy/fpolicy.html Harris, R. A., & Tichenor, D. J. (2009). A history of the U.S. political system: Ideas, interests, and institutions. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO. Kaufman, J. P. (2009). A concise history of US foreign policy. Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield. Lowi, T. J., Ginsberg, B., Shepsle, K. A., Ansolabehere, S. (2010). American government: Power and purpose. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company. Read More