Warm-up1. How do governments interact with other

nations?

2. How do the choices made by these governments affect their citizens? Give examples.

US Foreign Policy

What is foreign policy?

The strategies and goals that guide a nation’s relations with other groups and countries in the world– The long-term goals remain the same– The short-term goals change depending on what

is happening in the world

What are examples of foreign policy?

• Trade sanctions or embargos

• What countries do we have trade restrictions against? Why?

• Aid for countries experiencing natural disasters

• Where have we sent help?

What are the goals of US foreign policy?

1. National security• Preserve the security of

the US• Protect our borders

against invasion or control by foreign powers

• This is a fundamental goal because no nation can achieve any further goals if it is under attack

What are the goals of US foreign policy?2. Free and Open Trade• Protect vital economic interests• Maintain trade with foreign nations– US farms and factories need to sell their products in int’l markets

• Preserve access to natural resources we need

• Typically, the US supports “free trade”- no import/export restrictions

“I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting

attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures. I believe that we must assist free peoples to work out their own destinies in

their own way…I believe that our help should be primarily through economic and financial aid which

is essential to economic stability and orderly political processes.”

President Harry S. Truman—“The Truman Doctrine,” 1947

What are the goals of US foreign policy?

3. World Peace• The US works for peace

because it helps avoid outside conflicts and aids national security

• Tries to help other nations solve their conflicts

• Sends economic aid to at-risk countries

What are the goals of US foreign policy?

4. Democratic Governments

• US helps other nations create democratic political systems

• Examples- many formerly Communist nations became democracies in the 1990s

5. Concern for Humanity

• US has provided food, medical supplies, and technical assistance to victims of disaster

• This aid is also aimed to serve the strategic interests of the US to maintain political stability

Choose one of the current event articles provided and decide which foreign policy goal the US is working toward.

After you identify the goal, assess the extent to which the US is achieving its goal.

How has foreign policy shaped history?

With a partner, decide which goal/s dictated foreign policy for each of the following events. Think about the situation before the war, the reasons we went to war, and the outcome.

1. Panama Canal

2. WWII

3. Cold War (hint- think about all the ways we were involved around the globe)

4. War in Iraq

5. War in Afghanistan

Before Pearl Harbor, the US practiced a policy called isolationism. Would it ever be possible for the US to return to isolationism?

Respond to this question with a well-written thesis (1-2 sentences) that restates the question, provides a clear answer, and gives reasons supporting your answer.