The world’s 190 countries are linked more closely than ever by advances in travel and commerce, so promoting common interests and values is a crucial mission for America’s diplomats and government officials. This is the work of foreign policy, which has many goals including maintaining American access to natural resources and global markets, supporting U.S. business in overseas markets, advancing democratic development around the world, and more.
American foreign policy has a long history of success – from battling fascism in Europe to defeating worldwide communism, and waging war against terrorists to this day. The wise application of American primacy – the belief that the United States is the indispensable nation capable of mobilizing the world to act – has furthered U.S. values and interests, from evicting Iraqi troops from Kuwait to persuading Haiti’s military junta to relinquish power and breaking the grip of al Qaeda in Afghanistan.
But despite America’s immense power, its influence is not unlimited. Some critical problems – such as global warming or the spread of WMDs – defy any unilateral solution. And some, such as protecting the American homeland from a terrorist attack, require a combination of multilateral and unilateral measures. That is why polling consistently shows that Americans prefer an active role for the United States in the world, and support defending allies and embracing international trade. But how this should be accomplished is subject to a wide range of interpretations and disagreements.
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