1. The President and Foreign Policy

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

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

7. 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)

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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?

13. 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.

14. 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