Download The President and Foreign Policy

The President and
Foreign Policy
U.S. Foreign Policy...
… is this country’s actions, words, and beliefs
towards other countries.
The main goals of our foreign policy are to:
protect America and Americans
support economic growth and human rights around
the world
increase support for American values like democracy
and freedom
Most often, the President and executive branch
initiate our foreign policy responses to world events
and work with the legislative branch to carry out those
responses.
Foreign Aid...
… is the help or assistance that we give to other
countries, usually through our Department of State.
The main goal of our foreign aid is to create friendships
abroad and foster future trading partners.
Foreign aid comes in many forms. The most common
are:
•economic, like money
•military, like soldiers helping after a disaster
•advice, like how to create a democracy
Military…
… is this country’s troops, led by our President who is
called the Commander-in-Chief.
The main goal of our military is to prevent war and
protect the United States.
The Department of Defense is made up of the following
branches:
•Army
•Navy
•Air Force
•Marines
Treaties…
… are formal agreements between countries that, like
laws, must be followed.
The President is responsible for negotiating and signing
treaties. All treaties must be approved by 2/3rds of the
Senate.
An example: Countries form an alliance by signing a
treaty. This treaty says that if one country is attacked,
the others will step in to protect each other.
Presidential Roles in Foreign
Policy
• Commander in Chief
– Commands armed forces
• Head of State/Chief Diplomat
– Appoints ambassadors
– Makes treaties
Presidential Advantages
• Speaks for the nation (or appoints someone
to)
• Controls departments and agencies that
advise him
• Can take quick action (executive order or
executive agreement) rather than wait for
Congress to vote
• Use of economic sanctions – we will not
trade with you (and neither will our allies)
– Cuba (former), Iran & North Korea
(current)
Cabinet Members
• Department of State
– Secretary of State
• John Kerry
• supervises all diplomatic activities of the
government
• Represents U.S. at international conferences
• Travels and meets with foreign head of states
• Department of Defense
– Secretary of Defense
• Ashton Carter
• Informs and advises President on
military forces, weapons, and bases
Others to Consult
• National Security Advisor
– Susan Rice
• Central Intelligence Agency
– Gathers info on governments,
economies, and armed forces of
other nations
– Director John Brennan
Goals of Foreign Policy
Political
Economic
Social
National defense
(security)
Security of
allies (friends)
Human rights
Arms (weapons)
control
Free trade
Spread
democracy
Foreign aid
U.S. economic
well being
Aid developing
nations
Stop Terrorism
Foreign aid
Private aid
agencies
Spread democracy
Global
economic
stability
Current U.S. Foreign Policy
• What is our rationale behind U.S.
involvement in the following nations:
– Clean water programs for Ethiopia
– Creating allies with Pakistan, Israel and
Saudi Arabia in the Middle East
– Trading goods with China
– Helping to overthrow political leaders in
Guatemala
Lets Think…
• Which foreign policy goal seems
most important to the United States
right now? Why?
• How can the United States carry out
that particular foreign policy goal?
BCR
• In its dealings with other nations, the United States
government operates based on several goals of its
foreign policy. For example, the United States wishes
to use its tools of foreign policy to demonstrate a
concern for humanity and promote world peace.
Foreign aid is a primary tool used by the United States
to promote its foreign policy goals. 2 paragraphs
• List types of foreign aid the United States provides to other
countries.
•
Identify the costs and benefits to providing such aid.
• Do you think the United States should provide foreign aid to other
countries? Explain why or why not. Include details and examples to
support your response.
Outline
• Introduction
• List the 3 types of aid.
– What does it cost us to give this aid?
– How does it benefit us to give this aid?
• Should the U.S. give aid to other
countries? Why/why not? Include
details & examples.
• 2 paragraphs