Foreign policy is the broad set of policies aimed at the relations between the United States and other countries around the globe. It includes everything from the diplomacy and trade to national security, humanitarian aid and environmental issues.
It is a complicated subject that requires careful thought. Despite the complexities, there are some basic principles that guide any foreign policy. One of the most fundamental is that America’s first objective must be to safeguard and enhance Americans’ freedom, security and prosperity. This indisputable goal can be achieved by promoting an international order that promotes democracy, human rights and free enterprise.
This order can be sustained through alliances anchored by American military power and governed by democratic institutions. It can provide the basis for economic cooperation and security partnerships that avoid costly wars. It can also provide mechanisms to settle differences that would otherwise lead to destructive revolutions.
A second principle is to foster understanding between the people of the United States and the citizens of other nations. This can be accomplished through foreign assistance, cultural exchanges and other means. It is important to remember that in an age of global politics, there are many interests at play on the world stage. In some cases, those interests conflict, such as the debate over whether to establish a North American free trade area. In other cases, one interest seems to dominate a policy area such as the issue of supporting Israel.
The final principle is to seek win-win solutions to the most difficult and dangerous problems. In some cases, the best solution may be to work with adversaries in order to create the parameters of an end to hostilities. This can be done by talking through the problem rather than simply imposing a solution.