Report prepared by: Geostrategic Studies Team
U.S. foreign policy is a set of strategies and positions adopted by the United States in its relations with other countries and international organizations. These policies are shaped by the official positions of the federal government, especially the President, the Department of State, Congress, and security institutions like the Department of Defense and intelligence agencies.
Here is a comprehensive explanation of the main elements that define U.S. foreign policy:
1. Key Goals of U.S. Foreign Policy
The U.S. foreign policy aims to achieve a set of objectives related to national security and the country's economic and political interests. These goals include:
Protecting U.S. national security: This involves strengthening military power, defending U.S. territory, and preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
Promoting the U.S. economy: The U.S. seeks to promote free and fair global trade, secure access to international markets, and ensure the stability of the global economy.
Advancing democracy and human rights: The U.S. advocates for democratic values, including human rights, freedom of the press, and freedom of speech, and supports democratic governments around the world.
Building strategic alliances: The U.S. strives to strengthen its alliances with democratic countries, such as NATO members, and maintain strong relationships with its allies in Asia and Europe.
Combating terrorism and extremist groups: The U.S. plays a leading role in fighting global terrorism, relying on military and intelligence alliances to carry out these missions.
2. Tools Used in Implementing Foreign Policy
The United States relies on several tools to implement its foreign policies and achieve its objectives:
Diplomacy: Diplomacy is the primary tool used by the Department of State and U.S. embassies worldwide to negotiate and manage international relations.
Economic sanctions: The U.S. imposes economic sanctions on countries, entities, or individuals as a means of pressure to achieve political goals, such as limiting nuclear weapons development or addressing human rights violations.
Military power: The U.S. maintains the largest military in the world and uses it as a tool to defend its interests, whether through direct military intervention or the presence of its bases in many countries.
Foreign aid: The U.S. provides financial and technical assistance to other countries to promote stability and foster economic and social development, especially in developing nations or those experiencing conflicts.
International agreements and alliances: The U.S. relies on multilateral agreements and alliances, such as NATO and free trade agreements, to achieve international stability and protect its interests.
3. Major Shifts in U.S. Foreign Policy
Over time, U.S. foreign policy has undergone significant shifts depending on different leaderships and global circumstances. Below is a look at some of these shifts:
The Cold War (1947-1991): During this period, U.S. foreign policy focused on containing the spread of communism and the Soviet Union. This policy led to many proxy wars, such as the Vietnam War and the Korean War.
Post-Cold War Era (1991-2001): After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the U.S. focused on promoting a liberal international order, including expanding globalization and spreading democracy.
Post-9/11 Era (2001-2021): After the 9/11 attacks, U.S. foreign policy shifted towards combating global terrorism, leading to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and a broader use of military and intelligence power.
Donald Trump's Presidency (2017-2021): U.S. foreign policy saw a shift towards "America First," with a focus on U.S. economic interests and a withdrawal from some international agreements, such as the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran nuclear deal.
Joe Biden's Presidency (2021-present): The Biden administration seeks to restore U.S. global leadership, focusing on rebuilding alliances, addressing global threats like climate change, and re-engaging with multilateral agreements like the Paris Climate Accord.
4. Key Challenges Facing U.S. Foreign Policy
The United States faces several challenges in implementing its foreign policy:
China's rise: China has emerged as a growing economic and military power, posing a significant challenge to U.S. dominance in the international system. The U.S. views China as a strategic competitor and seeks to limit its influence in Asia and globally.
Russia: Russia remains a major adversary for the U.S., especially with its military interventions, such as the Ukraine crisis and involvement in Syria, along with attempts to influence U.S. elections.
Terrorism and extremist groups: Although ISIS has been largely defeated, terrorist groups continue to pose a threat to global security, necessitating ongoing U.S. efforts in counterterrorism.
Climate change: Climate change is considered a global threat that requires international cooperation. The U.S., under the Biden administration, has resumed its leadership role in combating climate change.
Nuclear proliferation: The challenge of nuclear proliferation, especially with countries like Iran and North Korea, remains one of the greatest threats that the U.S. seeks to contain.
5. Role of Congress and the President in Foreign Policy
The President: The U.S. President has wide powers in directing foreign policy, such as signing treaties, commanding the armed forces, and appointing ambassadors. The Secretary of State, appointed by the President, plays a crucial role in managing foreign policy.
Congress: Although the President plays the largest role, Congress has significant powers, including approving military funding, ratifying international treaties, and approving the appointment of ambassadors.
6. International Organizations and Multilateral Cooperation
The United States plays a leading role in many international organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. It collaborates with these institutions to achieve global stability, promote development, and fight poverty.
Foreign Policy Towards the Middle East
The U.S. State Department's approach to the Middle East reflects a combination of strategic, economic, and security interests that are central to American foreign policy. While strategies vary across administrations, they generally revolve around protecting U.S. interests, ensuring energy flow, supporting key allies, and addressing regional security challenges.
1. Security and Military Support:
The U.S. plays a pivotal role in supporting its regional partners, such as Israel and Gulf states. Through military aid and advanced technology, Washington seeks to maintain a balance against regional threats like Iran and armed groups such as Hezbollah and ISIS. Massive arms deals with Saudi Arabia and the UAE underscore the region's importance in U.S. security calculations.
2. The Israel-Palestine Issue:
U.S. policy on the Israel-Palestine conflict has largely favored Israel, sparking widespread criticism. While the U.S. has played a central role in mediating between the two sides, it has often been accused of bias, particularly with actions like relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem in 2018. This stance has eroded Palestinian trust in Washington as a neutral mediator.
3. Countering Iranian Influence:
Curbing Iran's influence is a cornerstone of U.S. Middle East policy. The Trump administration's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and its "maximum pressure" campaign aimed to weaken Tehran's regional activities. The Biden administration, in contrast, has pursued a potential return to the deal under new conditions. The U.S. also seeks to counter Iranian support for militant groups and its nuclear ambitions.
4. Human Rights Concerns:
While the U.S. frequently emphasizes democracy and human rights, its actions in the Middle East reveal inconsistencies. Washington often overlooks human rights violations by allies such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt in favor of strategic and security interests. Nevertheless, certain administrations have applied limited pressure on governments to improve human rights conditions.
5. Oil and Energy:
Energy resources remain central to U.S. policy in the Middle East. Although the U.S. has reduced its dependence on Middle Eastern oil due to domestic production, regional stability is still vital to maintaining global oil prices and protecting the international economy.
6. Handling Regional Crises:
Syria: U.S. policy in Syria has been cautious, focusing primarily on combating ISIS while avoiding direct involvement in the broader conflict. Support for the Syrian opposition has been limited.
Yemen: The U.S. has backed the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis but has faced criticism over the humanitarian crisis resulting from the war.
Iraq: Iraq remains a key component of U.S. regional strategy, particularly in countering Iranian influence and combating ISIS remnants.
Criticism of U.S. Policy:
Bias towards Israel and lack of neutrality in Palestinian issues.
Contradictions between promoting democracy and supporting authoritarian regimes.
Treating the Middle East as a battleground for global rivalries with Iran, Russia, and China.
Conclusion
U.S. foreign policy is complex and influenced by a variety of factors. This policy is determined by a mix of national goals, economic interests, and the ideologies embraced by U.S. leadership.
U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East is complex and multifaceted, blending declared principles with practical interests. While its approach often prioritizes national security, strategic dominance, and oil stability, it has struggled to provide sustainable solutions to the region's ongoing conflicts.
