Foreign policy is the way a country uses different strategies to guide relationships with other countries and international organizations. The goal of foreign policy is to promote security, democracy, and prosperity both at home and abroad. While the specific goals of each president may change, underlying principles remain constant. Use the discussion questions to help students understand how these principles inform U.S. foreign policy decisions.
Foreign affairs are a core function of government. They involve a complex interplay of diplomacy, negotiation, and strategic decision-making that advances the interests of a country in the global community. Foreign policy is influenced by a country’s history, cultural values, economic interests, and political ideology.
Historically, foreign policy has been shaped by a nation’s military and economic power. The rise of a new power, however, threatens to challenge U.S. hegemony in the world. A key question in the field of foreign policy is what role Congress should play in influencing foreign affairs. Some scholars argue that, based on the Constitution’s affirmative grants of authority to Congress and the executive branch, foreign policy decisions should be left largely to Congress. Others, including many former lawmakers, cite Supreme Court rulings such as Curtiss-Wright Export Corporation v. United States as evidence that the Constitution allows presidents to exercise broad powers in this area. For example, a president has the discretion to waive Congressional oversight when negotiating trade agreements with foreign nations. In addition, Congress can pass legislation that enshrines certain principles into law, such as the National Emergencies Act.
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