Foreign Policy and National Defense Chapter 17
Foreign Policy Section 1
Isolationism to Internationalism For the first 150 years of U.S. history the government was mainly focused on extending its influence over the continental U.S. (Manifest Destiny) Beginning in the 20th century, the U.S. has been more of a global power. International wars and economic crises have had an impact on the entire world. Involvement in Foreign affairs has become increasingly important as globalization has increased. (globalization theory)
Foreign Policy How the country relates to other nations in diplomatic, economic, and military affairs Everything the gov’t does and says President is both chief diplomat and commander-in-chief Must of the U.S. foreign policy is carried out by the Department of State Secretary of State plays an important role in developing and implementing policies.
Overseas Representatives The U.S. sends and receives diplomatic representatives Ambassadors Representatives in over 180 sovereign nations Special diplomats Representatives to international organizations like the United Nations and NATO Ambassadors enjoy diplomatic immunity State department issues passports to citizens traveling abroad.
The State Department The President’s right arm in foreign affairs Headed by the Secretary of State
National Defense Section 2
Defense Department Unifies the nation’s armed forces Secretary of Defense – Head of the department. Helps the President in making decisions about national defense and carrying out those decisions
Director of National Intelligence Created after 9/11 to supervise and operate the federal intelligence community Includes, among other agencies, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and the National Security Agency (NSA). Espionage - spying
Department of Homeland Security Main task is to protect the country from terrorism Terrorism – the use of violence to intimidate a government or a society, usually for political or ideological reasons
Collective Security America hoped to forge a world where most nations would agree to act together against any nation that threatened the peace. The United States took a lead role in forming the United Nations in 1945
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Created in 1949 – It is a collective alliance formed initially to promote the collective defense of Western Europe from the USSR. Today it still functions as a security alliance for its members.
The United Nations General Assembly – “the town meeting of the world” Each country has a seat and a vote in the general assembly Resolutions are non-binding but send a message about the will of the world
The UN Security Council 15 members 5 permanent members – US, Britain, France, China, and Russia Job is to maintain international peace