1. Chapter 10.1 Goals and Principles of American Foreign Policy

2. What is a Foreign Policy?
It’s how one country interacts with another country or group
In the United States,
Our Foreign Policy has spanned the extremes of Isolationist to Internationalist.

3. Goals of A Nation’s Foreign Policy
Preserve its own independence.
Preserve security for the nation and its citizens.
Gain prosperity for the nation and its citizens.
To protect or expand specific ideals or ideas.
Expanding democracy around the world.

4. Factors that influence Foreign Policy
Geography
If you are surrounded by bigger countries, you have to listen to them.
Military and economic power
If you can’t afford an army, you best be quiet and keep to yourself!
Economic needs
If you need something from someone else, you better be able to share!
Ethnic and religious ties
History

5. • So…how active should America be in world affairs?
2 Main Theories:
Isolationism
The view that a nation should tend to its own domestic affairs rather than international affairs.
Internationalism
The view that a nation should assume an active role in international affairs.

6. What factors guide a nation to be isolationist or internationalist?
Simple answer:
“What is in our nation’s interest?”
Internationalists
If it’s good for us, do it!!
Isolationists
Let’s focus on our own problems! Screw everyone else!

7. New foreign policy theories
Idealism
International motivations are based on what is good for other countries as well as for your own.
Started after WWII.
Neoisolationism
Not only should America keep out of others business for our sake, but for their sake too!
In other words, we screw up other countries.
Started after Korean War and Vietnam War

8. So what theory does America use?
All of them…. In time.