Chapter 18: Foreign and National Defense Policies Flashcards
What does it mean when groups and actors act in favor of the national interest?
Act to benefit the nation as a whole.
Why is America a superpower?
The US has the military, economic, and political resources to project force anywhere in the world.
What is asymmetric warfare?
Unconventional tactics used by a combatant against an enemy with superior conventional military capabilities.
Why does America have a soft power over other countries?
The nation’s culture, products, and way of life are attractive to other countries.
What do political scientists mean by the term “hegemons?”
The dominant power during various historical periods. They take on responsibilities for maintaining and protecting a regional or global system.
Contrast the views of unilateralists and multilateralists.
Unilateralists want the US to pursue American interests without help.
Multilateralists want to cooperate and collaborate with others because American interests are compatible with others in the world.
What is the Cold War?
The period of tense relations between the US and USSR from the late 1940s to the late 1980s.
What is nuclear proliferation?
The spread of nuclear weapons to additional countries or to terrorist groups.
What did the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) do?
Required the lowering of tariffs and other barriers to free trade.
What does the World Trade Organization (WTO) do?
Enforce the provisions of the GATT and to resolve trade disputes between nations.
What does the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) do?
Eliminate nearly all barriers to trade and investment among Canada, the US, and Mexico.
What does the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) promote?
Free trade among the 3 countries; includes provisions to protect the environment, working conditions, and intellectual property, as well as an expedited process for resolving disputes.
Who is part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS)?
The military officers in charge of each of the armed services.
