The United States has a unique role in the world, shaped by its military and economic strength. Consequently, the policies of Washington often have far-reaching effects, touching people thousands of miles away. They can bolster or erode international regimes and organizations, as well as affect economies in the developed and developing worlds.
The American foreign policymaking process is complex, multifaceted and interdependent. As a result, policymakers are often swayed by the whims and opinions of many different constituencies in society, from Congress to think tanks to the media.
With that in mind, policymakers must take into account the fact that they can’t do it all alone. A great power’s ability to advance its interests in the world requires the support of friends and allies. That is why the United States maintains diplomatic ties with more than 190 countries and many regional and global organizations.
Foreign policy is a broad field that encompasses a wide range of issues and actors, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, terrorist activity in the Middle East, China’s militarization of Taiwan and the South China Sea, and the impact of climate change on individual nations and regions. Moreover, some important problems defy unilateral solutions. That is why the United States should encourage global prosperity and good governance, so that citizens everywhere can eat exotic fruit, enjoy the latest technology and live free from disease and poverty, which breed other threats to security. For example, if a nation is racked by corruption, it may become a magnet for criminals and drug dealers.
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