American Foreign Policy Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is American Foreign Policy?

American foreign policy has had a long and varied history. From its early days of independence to its modern-day role as a global superpower, the United States has sought to shape international affairs in order to achieve its goals. The country’s foreign policy aims have often focused on promoting democracy, maintaining economic growth, protecting US citizens from harm, and preserving national security.During the 19th century, American foreign policy was largely driven by commercial interests. In particular, the US sought to expand trade with other countries and protect American businesses abroad. This agenda was reflected in actions such as establishing diplomatic ties with other nations and negotiating treaties that granted exclusive rights for trading or investment opportunities in certain markets. Additionally, the US government used military force in several instances during this period to maintain order or prevent armed conflicts between nations from escalating into full-scale war. In the 20th century, American foreign policy shifted towards more expansive interventions aimed at defending democratic ideals around the world and preventing aggression against allies. Following World War II and throughout much of the Cold War era, US leaders actively supported various anti-communist initiatives while also attempting to contain Soviet expansionism through diplomacy and arms control treaties like SALT I & II (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks). After the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe in 1989-91, America moved away from military interventionism towards a focus on promoting free markets by providing aid packages for developing countries seeking economic reform. The end of the Cold War ushered in an era where America’s primary concern is terrorism rather than ideological differences among nations leading it has adopted more aggressive tactics such as targeting terrorist organizations directly with drone strikes or supporting local forces fighting insurgents overseas while simultaneously increasing intelligence gathering efforts at home and abroad culminating most recently with President Obama’s creation of an interagency task force dedicated solely to countering violent extremism globally known as CVE (Countering Violent Extremism). Additionally there are continual efforts being made today by both Democrats & Republicans alike working together on initiatives such as improving diplomatic relations with Iran & Cuba after many decades apart; engaging China diplomatically on multiple fronts (i.e.- South China Sea); helping create stability within fragile states such as Afghanistan & Iraq; combating climate change via international agreements; etc… Today American foreign policy is still evolving but one thing remains constant: it seeks a balance between upholding our core values while ensuring national security which makes it difficult for any single strategy/approach/initiative/agreement to be successful all times but rest assured that future generations will continue striving for effective solutions that allow us all live peacefully together within an ever changing global environment .