How is U.S. Foreign Policy Created?
What does it involve? Military, diplomacy, economic policy and intelligence gathering Constitutional Framework: President is the DOMINANT PLAYER. – Congress – Declare war, fund military and foreign endeavors (including aid), Senate approves ambassadors, ratifies treaties, legislative oversight (hold hearings on FP issues) – President – Commander in Chief, appoints ambassadors, negotiates treaties, executive orders, commissions officers in military
War Powers Act (1973) Highlights ebb and flow of power Gives Pres. 48 hours to inform congress of military action. Congress must approve/disapprove of action within 60 days Is it an unconstitutional legislative veto on power of the President?
State Department Secretary of State – Most important diplomat (after Pres) Oversees diplomats in every region of world Allocates resources all over world (including foreign aid)
Defense Department Headquartered at Pentagon Oversees military Secretary of Defense
Homeland Security Immigration, Coast Guard and and Border Patrol Newest cabinet department (9/11/2001)
Joint Chiefs of Staff Each Military branch has a chief, each belong to the JCS
Central Intelligence Agency Collection of intelligence from abroad FBI = domestic intelligence
International Organizations United Nations (UN) – 1945, Post WWII – Security Council – U.S., China, Russia, England and France all have veto power plus 10 rotating members – Keep peace and protect human rights North Atlantic Treaty Organization (1949) – U.S., Canada, Turkey and most West Europe – Mutual defense pact
Recent FP History WWI – 1920’s and 30’s Isolation (Senate refusal to ratify Treaty of Versailles) - WWII Cold War – Containment – long term policy to stop the spread of Communism – could mean financial aid, military advisors or military engagement Legacy = Permanent, combat ready military force. Korea, Vietnam Détente – easing of tension
Recent FP History Post Cold War – “War on Terror” – Post 9/11 world – Afghanistan – Iraq – “pre-emptive strike” or Bush Doctrine – belief of WMD – Rise of Isis – Use of intelligence and strategic drone strikes
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Cuban Missile Crisis (1963) – MAD – Mutually Assured Destruction Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty SALT – Strategic Arms Limitations Talks
Defense Permanent combat ready military expensive In times of war, increase
Why so much? Threats, real or imagined. Military Industrial Complex – network of defense manufacturers who profit, military leaders who want the newest and best, politicians who want pork for their district (defense contractor jobs). Many contractors hire former military and politicians as lobbyists. Ex. Dick Cheney (revolving door) Politicians who vote down military expenditures easy targets Military bases also bring jobs Overall Reps. More likely to support defense spending