Introduction to Foreign Policy

What?

The course of action a nation chooses to pursue to protect its own interests while interacting with other countries.

Who?

Executive Branch

• President -
• Sets the agenda/direction
• Appoints cabinet members and ambassadors
• Negotiates treaties
• Serves as commander in chief (of the military)
• Department of State
• Secretary of State
• Carries out executive agenda by representing the USA in all aspects of policy creation and implementation
• Represents the United States in the United Nations

Legislative Branch (Congress)

• Approves nominations for Secretaries and Ambassadors
• Declares war
• Ratifies treaties
• Funds foreign aid and military programs
• Passes laws stating specific foreign policies

Judicial Branch (Federal courts, Supreme Court)

• can declare laws or actions unconstitutional
• interprets and defines the limits of allowable actions

Where?

Washington, DC, and 180 US Embassies and over 100 International Organizations around the world.

How?

1. Diplomacy - meetings between governments at a variety of levels to form a working relationship
2. Trade policies and economic and military aid programs (sticks and carrots)
3. International organizations (ie: UN and WTO) where officials meet to discuss global concerns
4. Military force
5. Specific foreign policy options