Foreign policy is the set of strategies chosen by a nation to safeguard its national interests and achieve goals in international relations. It is complex, multifaceted, and interdependent. The discipline has been shaped by a variety of theoretical approaches, including realist, liberal democratic, and imperial power models. Foreign policy is also influenced by domestic politics and by the dynamics of global governance. The practice has evolved to include a number of different areas, such as diplomacy and trade, security and defense, military alliances and arms control, global governance and international organizations, development and humanitarian assistance, and the prevention of terrorism and the spread of infectious diseases.
During the debates between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the candidates clashed over their foreign policy beliefs. While Biden emphasized the importance of global alliances, Trump argued that America can negotiate more unilateral agreements with other countries. On Ukraine, the candidates disagreed over whether the U.S. should provide more support for Ukrainian troops.
The expansion of presidential power in the 21st century has shifted how foreign policy is made. With the ability to negotiate treaties and appoint ambassadors without congressional approval, the president has greater leeway to act quickly in foreign affairs. While this centralization of authority offers flexibility, it also raises questions about transparency and accountability.
The Pew Research Center’s latest Foreign Policy Tracking survey shows that Republicans and Republican-leaning independents prioritize supporting Israel, reducing the flow of illegal drugs into the country, and maintaining a military advantage over other countries — among other security and hard power issues – significantly more than Democrats do. Conversely, Democrats are more likely to prioritize preventing the spread of infectious diseases, supporting refugees, strengthening the United Nations, and promoting and defending human rights.
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