, Research Paper
Strengths of Foreign PolicyDecline Of America In Foreign PolicyI. Introduction A. Foreign Policy1. Foreign Policy2. Areas Foreign Policy Involves3. Is America On The Decline?II. America Is On The Decline A. U.S. Foreign Policy Is Unsound And Ineffective1. Falling Behind As A World Leader B. Our Policies Are Unsuccessful1. Loss Of American Powers2. Loss Of Allies Trust C. Military Ineffectiveness D. Economic Policies1. Fall Of American Currency Value2. Downward Spiral Of International Business E. Unorganized Authority Structure1. Executive2. Legislative 3. Public OpinionII. America Is Not On The Decline A. U.S. Foreign Policy Is Sound And Effective B. Our Policies Have Been Successful1. Power Of America Is Stronger And Stronger2. Wide System Of Alliances 3. Strong Military Effectiveness4. Strong Economic Policies5. Authority Is Reasonably And Effectively AdministeredIV. Conclusion A. Position Merits B. Americas Decline In Foreign Policy ConclusionSummaryThrough a cross examination of the pros and cons of foreign policy, I found the answer to the enigma posed. America is not on the decline. The evidence is seen by the results produced. Economic, social, and political conditions have increased for the better. This shows that American foreign policy is on the rise. Strength of America’s Foreign PolicyAs the world grows smaller through advancements in technology, travel, and communications the United States must become aware of it’s global position. Each gateway that opens the economic and social realms of foreign nations allows opportunities for objectives to be accomplished. The realization of these goals comes through the establishment of a strong foreign policy. Foreign Policy is a series of goals that a nation hopes to achieve with respect to other countries and international issues (Rourke 1). This entails not only government relations, but organizations, companies, and other orders of business. The effects of foreign policy are seen in several aspects of public affairs. The majority of Americans are uninformed to the importance foreign policy plays in their daily lives. This lack of awareness causes several questions to arise. The people and the government must ask themselves if we should focus a large amount of energy in this area. In order to do this we must look at the past, present, and future and evaluate the consequences on the various factors in today’s modern society. America must ask themselves if the United States foreign policy is on the rise or flailing in the midst of cloudy circumstance. The answer to the question will inevitably broaden the scope of perception and allow individuals to realize that America is truly on the rise in foreign policy. The best way to examine the effectiveness of a policy is to point out the weaknesses. The roots of America started out as a young, independent nation aspiring to be a leader on the global level. The decline was not a drastic transition, but rather a slow erosion of principles. One of the main factors that tore foreign policy down was the strong arm of communism. We can trace the beginnings “as early as the dark days of World War I” (Hargis 55). An official in charge of policies under President Woodrow Wilson ushered in the Soviet regime, thinking he was promoting democracy. Instead he allowed an open door for the Communist ideal. At that point America began it’s descent into a battle for global freedom and true democracy. Later in World War II thinking that the Soviets were the key to the defeat of Hitler, we supported their plight. As time progressed the United States realized the impact and the force of their rash decisions. As Russia grew into super power the cracks in a weak and unmanaged foreign policy began to show. The cold war that followed further exhibited Americas weaknesses. The United States was willing to give too much, too fast in order to achieve a type of world unity. Foreign nations soon realized the potential and began taking shots at the weak under belly of the United States. The events that followed further tarnished Americas glossy outer appearance. The Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam war, and the Iran-Contra affair are all examples of policies gone wrong. Since the creation of our nation “foreign policy efforts complicated by the United States Constitution’s broad grant of independent authority over foreign affairs to the Congress, which has control over the purse, the power to approve treaties and appointments and legislative authority over trade and other external matters” (Rosner 1). The blame cannot be placed upon one party or one branch. In a system of checks and balances the entire structure must be in agreement. Without unity and order the policies are impossible to enforce. America came to a point where it realized the weaknesses in it’s foreign policy. It was not until the end of the cold war that “Congress was allowed to flex it’s muscles on foreign policy” ending the president’s record of prevailing Congress on a majority of the national security issues (Rosner 1). It is the unorganized authority structure that has struck the final blow to the once strong foreign policy. Once again it is not one specific area, but rather many weak links in the chain of command. A lack of enforcement by the branches of the United States military has caused their high esteem and precedence to fall by the way. The mismanagement of the economic plan, currency, and the downward spiral of international business also attribute to the infirmity of our policies. The sickness that permeates the foreign policy process was attributed to America as a whole, it was through this plague that the decline was brought to light.
Through the examination of weaknesses we can recognize areas of strengths. Our nation may have flaws, but the majority of foreign policy decisions exhibit the rise of America. The United States foreign policy is controlled through the executive branch, legislative branch, and public opinion. The United States constitution reveals that the executive branch is the only power with the authority to negotiate treaties (Rourke 2). In order for any effect to take place the proposition must be ratified by the Senate into a legal treaty. In the United States government the agendas of each branch differ in purpose and meaning. The result is an efficient process of powers forced to budge. Congress is a branch that must submit to domestic pressures and the individual voters in their decisions. The role individuals, interest groups, and unions play is referred to as public opinion. Individuals must realize the true impact they can and do have on foreign policy making. Foreign policy encompasses a sea of circumstances. The decisions involved in military placement and power can be used to prevent violent and indifferent conflicts from forming. Foreign policy must be a guide line that establishes the United States limitations in international conflicts. The policy is a fine line that decides what is overstepping the power of the United States. American foreign policy also has a large effect on interest groups. Each interest group has demands, and each is willing to do what it takes to get the policy passed. Client politics in foreign affairs is also largely affected by policies regulations. The amount of business they are allowed to do, tariffs and taxes, and import and export regulations are limited to the ordinances set up by the government. The American people have come together and expanded their global view. Working together they have defeated cold war politics and presented solutions for a new era. The strength of our policy is evident around the world. A wide system of United States’ allies has formed, supporting and helping to maintain peace. This has resulted in free world stability, removing underlying causes of economic, political, and social problems (Walch 73). Not only is America on the rise, but the world has followed our concepts opening a new level of international relations. As the unified world picture focuses, the reflection holds the United States foreign policy in high esteem. I believe this is true because of the rise in economic and social areas. America is a nation founded on Godly principles, and set apart. This nation still obeys Gods foreign policy in Mark 16:15. “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature’”(NKJV 1088). We have been the leading source of missionary work, as a result the prosperity of the United States has maintained a luxurious life. We must realize that the United States must look at themselves on the global level. America is on the rise along with it’s people, we must maintain a standard of high living, economic stability, and proper decision making. “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saint, and are of Gods house hold”(NKJV 1258). BibliographyHargis, Billy James. Disaster File. Tulsa: Christian CusadePublications, 1978. Morley, Felix. The Foreign Policy OfThe United States. New York:Alfred A. Knopf Press, 1951. Needler, Martin. Understanding Foreign PolicyNew York: Holt Press, 1966. New King James Version. Holy Bible.Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1994. Perkins, Dexter. The Evolution Of ForeignPolicy. New York:Oxford Univesity Press, 1966. Rosner, Jeremy. “New Congressional AssertivenessIn Foreign Policy.” USIA ElectronicJournals 9 (July 1996) 1-4. Rourke, John. Foreign Policy. Chicago:Grolier Publishing, 1996. Walch, J. Weston. Complete HandbookOn Executive Control OfForeign Policy. Maine:Walch Publishing.