Foreign Policy:
1. What are the goals of foreign policy?
The primary goals are:
● Security: Protecting the nation from external threats, including terrorism,
cyberattacks, and hostile states.
● Prosperity: Promoting international trade and investment to support American jobs
and economic growth.
● Humanitarian goals: Supporting human rights, democracy, and providing foreign aid
during crises such as natural disasters or pandemics.
2. What has been the trend with non-state actors since the 1990s?
Non-state actors, such as terrorist groups, have played a growing role in international
conflicts. They pose security challenges because they operate without fixed borders or
governments, making traditional deterrence policies less effective.
3. How has U.S. foreign policy changed over time?
U.S. policy evolved from isolationism (pre-WWI) to international engagement, especially
post-WWII. During the Cold War, the U.S. pursued containment and deterrence against the
Soviet Union. Post-9/11, the focus shifted to combating terrorism and non-state threats.
4. Which countries were involved in the Cold War?
The Cold War was primarily between:
● The United States and its NATO allies
● The Soviet Union and its Warsaw Pact allies.
5. What is the goal of the USMCA? What was this agreement previously
called?
The USMCA (United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement) aims to lower/eliminate tariffs and
support trade among the three countries. It replaced NAFTA (North American Free Trade
, Agreement) and was renegotiated in 2018 to secure better trade terms, especially for U.S.
dairy and auto industries.
6. What is the role of the president in foreign policy?
The president is the primary figure in foreign policy, acting as commander in chief and chief
diplomat. Presidents can deploy troops and negotiate treaties (with Senate approval) and
executive agreements (without Senate approval).
7. What are the major structures and roles of major organizations and
players in U.S. foreign-policy making?
Key players include:
● The President: Leads foreign policy.
● Congress: Authorizes war, funds policies, ratifies treaties.
● State Department: Manages diplomacy.
● Defense Department: Oversees military.
● CIA and NSA: Handle intelligence.
● Nongovernmental actors: Media, interest groups, and think tanks also influence
policy.
8. Who sets the tone for U.S. foreign policy?
The president and their top advisers primarily set the tone, though Congress and public
opinion can influence the direction.
9. What is the role of the Senate in foreign policy?
The Senate must:
● Approve treaties by a two-thirds vote.
● Confirm key foreign policy appointments, such as ambassadors.
● Influence military and trade decisions via funding and oversight.
1. What are the goals of foreign policy?
The primary goals are:
● Security: Protecting the nation from external threats, including terrorism,
cyberattacks, and hostile states.
● Prosperity: Promoting international trade and investment to support American jobs
and economic growth.
● Humanitarian goals: Supporting human rights, democracy, and providing foreign aid
during crises such as natural disasters or pandemics.
2. What has been the trend with non-state actors since the 1990s?
Non-state actors, such as terrorist groups, have played a growing role in international
conflicts. They pose security challenges because they operate without fixed borders or
governments, making traditional deterrence policies less effective.
3. How has U.S. foreign policy changed over time?
U.S. policy evolved from isolationism (pre-WWI) to international engagement, especially
post-WWII. During the Cold War, the U.S. pursued containment and deterrence against the
Soviet Union. Post-9/11, the focus shifted to combating terrorism and non-state threats.
4. Which countries were involved in the Cold War?
The Cold War was primarily between:
● The United States and its NATO allies
● The Soviet Union and its Warsaw Pact allies.
5. What is the goal of the USMCA? What was this agreement previously
called?
The USMCA (United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement) aims to lower/eliminate tariffs and
support trade among the three countries. It replaced NAFTA (North American Free Trade
, Agreement) and was renegotiated in 2018 to secure better trade terms, especially for U.S.
dairy and auto industries.
6. What is the role of the president in foreign policy?
The president is the primary figure in foreign policy, acting as commander in chief and chief
diplomat. Presidents can deploy troops and negotiate treaties (with Senate approval) and
executive agreements (without Senate approval).
7. What are the major structures and roles of major organizations and
players in U.S. foreign-policy making?
Key players include:
● The President: Leads foreign policy.
● Congress: Authorizes war, funds policies, ratifies treaties.
● State Department: Manages diplomacy.
● Defense Department: Oversees military.
● CIA and NSA: Handle intelligence.
● Nongovernmental actors: Media, interest groups, and think tanks also influence
policy.
8. Who sets the tone for U.S. foreign policy?
The president and their top advisers primarily set the tone, though Congress and public
opinion can influence the direction.
9. What is the role of the Senate in foreign policy?
The Senate must:
● Approve treaties by a two-thirds vote.
● Confirm key foreign policy appointments, such as ambassadors.
● Influence military and trade decisions via funding and oversight.
