The President and Foreign Policy

U.S. Foreign Policy... … is this country’s actions, words, and beliefs towards other countries. The main goals of our foreign policy are to:  protect America and Americans  support economic growth and human rights around the world  increase support for American values like democracy and freedom Most often, the President and executive branch initiate our foreign policy responses to world events and work with the legislative branch to carry out those responses.

Foreign Aid... … is the help or assistance that we give to other countries, usually through our Department of State. The main goal of our foreign aid is to create friendships abroad and foster future trading partners. Foreign aid comes in many forms. The most common are: economic, like money military, like soldiers helping after a disaster advice, like how to create a democracy

Military… … is this country’s troops, led by our President who is called the Commander-in-Chief. The main goal of our military is to prevent war and protect the United States. The Department of Defense is made up of the following branches: Army Navy Air Force Marines

Treaties… … are formal agreements between countries that, like laws, must be followed. The President is responsible for negotiating and signing treaties. All treaties must be approved by 2/3rds of the Senate. An example: Countries form an alliance by signing a treaty. This treaty says that if one country is attacked, the others will step in to protect each other.

Presidential Roles in Foreign Policy Commander in Chief Commands armed forces Head of State/Chief Diplomat Appoints ambassadors Makes treaties

Presidential Advantages Speaks for the nation (or appoints someone to) Controls departments and agencies that advise him Can take quick action (executive order or executive agreement) rather than wait for Congress to vote Use of economic sanctions – we will not trade with you (and neither will our allies) Cuba (former), Iran & North Korea (current)

Cabinet Members Department of State Department of Defense Secretary of State John Kerry supervises all diplomatic activities of the government Represents U.S. at international conferences Travels and meets with foreign head of states Department of Defense Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter Informs and advises President on military forces, weapons, and bases

Others to Consult National Security Advisor Susan Rice Central Intelligence Agency Gathers info on governments, economies, and armed forces of other nations Director John Brennan

Goals of Foreign Policy Political Economic Social National defense (security) Security of allies (friends) Human rights Arms (weapons) control Free trade Spread democracy Foreign aid U.S. economic well being Aid developing nations Stop Terrorism Private aid agencies Global economic stability

Current U.S. Foreign Policy What is our rationale behind U.S. involvement in the following nations: Clean water programs for Ethiopia Creating allies with Pakistan, Israel and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East Trading goods with China Helping to overthrow political leaders in Guatemala

Lets Think… • Which foreign policy goal seems most important to the United States right now? Why? • How can the United States carry out that particular foreign policy goal?

BCR In its dealings with other nations, the United States government operates based on several goals of its foreign policy. For example, the United States wishes to use its tools of foreign policy to demonstrate a concern for humanity and promote world peace. Foreign aid is a primary tool used by the United States to promote its foreign policy goals. 2 paragraphs   List types of foreign aid the United States provides to other countries. Identify the costs and benefits to providing such aid. Do you think the United States should provide foreign aid to other countries? Explain why or why not. Include details and examples to support your response.

Outline Introduction List the 3 types of aid. What does it cost us to give this aid? How does it benefit us to give this aid? Should the U.S. give aid to other countries? Why/why not? Include details & examples. 2 paragraphs