Analysis of American Foreign Policy Objectives and Goals

Essay by diezpesoUniversity, Master'sA+, March 2004

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The United States has clearly defined foreign policy objectives and goals. While some groups claim that the United States acts as an isolationist body, the government works to improve the international community through negotiation and cooperation. Sometimes varying perspectives and values cause the United States to act in a unilateral manner, but the United States mostly looks to act in conjunction with the desires of other countries. As the largest superpower, the United States has been given the responsibility of leading the global community through its actions and words. According to Secretary of State, Colin Powell, "the American way in the world is to promote freedom, democracy, free trade and development. It is to seek security for people who have already suffered too much. It is to inspire and be inspired by other nations to work together toward a peaceful and prosperous future" (www.state.gov). Following this, the United States has established its top priorities in foreign policy.

The U.S. Department of State claims that these include promoting American internationalism, focusing heavily on National Security, and curbing the evolving threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Kim R. Holmes of the Department of State says, "Neither protectionist nor expansionist, American internationalism seeks to preserve liberty and to promote opportunity, human dignity, freedom, prosperity, and peace, both at home and abroad" (www.state.gov). To do this, the government has outlined some specific objectives. Allies are crucial to conduct foreign operations, so the United States has joined several international organizations that allow it to serve at the forefront of international policy. Working closely with such groups as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the United Nations (UN), and the European Union (EU) have proven both invaluable and extremely frustrating for policy-makers. Frustrations exist regarding various perspectives, values, and objectives of world policy-makers. Yet, these types...