The basics
What is foreign policy?
A government’s set of strategies and goals for dealing with other nations.
What is diplomacy?
The method of influencing other countries to behave in certain ways through negotiation and compromise.
What is economic aid?
Money, loans, or resources given to help another country’s economy.
Who are the two branches that share foreign policy powers?
The executive branch (president) and legislative branch (Congress)
What are the four main goals of U.S. foreign policy?
Protect national security, protect economic interests, preserve peace, spread democracy, and provide humanitarian aid
Who are ambassadors and what do they do?
Government officials who live in foreign countries and represent their home country’s interests.
What are economic sanctions?
Penalties such as stopping trade to punish a country for its actions.
What is one foreign policy power of the president?
Leading negotiations, making treaties, or acting as commander in chief.
Why might countries have conflicting foreign policy goals?
Because countries have different interests, values, and priorities.
What is the purpose of treaties between countries?
To create agreements to work together toward shared goals.
What is deterrence?
Threatening to use military force to prevent another country from acting.
What is one foreign policy power of Congress?
Declaring war, approving treaties, or controlling funding.
How do changing world events impact a country’s foreign policy?
They can cause goals and strategies to change in response to new challenges or opportunities.
How can diplomacy help prevent conflict between nations?
By allowing countries to negotiate and compromise instead of fighting.
How is humanitarian aid different from military aid?
Humanitarian aid helps people in need (food, disaster relief), while military aid supports defense and armed forces.
How does the system of checks and balances limit foreign policy decisions?
Each branch can block or limit the actions of the other.
What are two modern issues that affect foreign policy today?
Terrorism, cyber threats, global economy, climate change, or pandemics.
Compare military alliances and trade agreements—how are they similar and different?
Both involve cooperation, but military alliances focus on defense while trade agreements focus on economic exchange.
Why might a country choose sanctions instead of military action?
To avoid war while still pressuring a country to change its behavior.
Why did the Framers divide foreign policy powers between branches?
To prevent one person or group from having too much power.