Foreign policy is the way a country deals with other countries in its quest for security and prosperity. It involves the development of alliances, negotiating treaties, and making official statements. Though military strategy is often a central component of a nation’s defense, diplomacy is also a key instrument for defusing conflict and promoting peace. A number of think tanks and academic institutions specialize in studying foreign policy, as well.
Developing foreign policies requires a lot of research, analysis, and discussion. States consider many factors when formulating foreign policy, including economic and political interests, security threats, and the need to support human rights and development around the world.
In the United States, the foreign policy debate is often divided between Americanists and globalists. Americanists focus on American primacy, arguing that the United States can solve every problem with its unrivaled power. Globalists, on the other hand, emphasize the importance of international cooperation, warning against the illusion that America can go it alone.
The world has changed dramatically since September 11. The United States must use its immense power to fashion an international environment that reflects our values and supports our interests. The indisputable first objective must be to safeguard freedom, security, and prosperity for our citizens and theirs everywhere. To do that, we must extend the zone of democracy and freedom that we helped create in Europe to the rest of the world. This will not be charity; it is profoundly in our self-interest.