POA - 02. US Foreign Policy Flashcards
No central government, every country makes its own rules.
Decentralized Anarchy
Over 190 countries, regional and international organizations, etc. which means a lot of complex relationship.
Many Actors
All nations are independent and rule themselves. Every country is different.
Nations are Sovereign and Unique
Relationships with countries are a mixture of common and opposed ideas.
Interests (Common and Opposed)
Everything a nation does affects other countries differently.
Multilateral World
Policy of isolationism, except WWI
Pre-WWII
Got involved quickly and globally. Containment and domino theory - contain violence and Communism or surrounding countries will fall like dominoes.
Postwar Globalism
No agreement on our global involvement, no consensus on containment. Beginning of change in US foreign policy.
Vietnam Conflict
World is changing; accelerated with the end of the Cold War. Caused foreign policy controversy.
Changing International Environment
Very little common thinking in US, while the world grows more complicated. No global dominance and little strategy shared in the international area.
No Consensus in US
Even though the US won the Cold War, Russia is still a massive country in Europe and Asia. Russia is going to assert their power status. Germany is the strongest power in Europe - no longer in leader/follower relationship.
Europe
Great powers are Russia, China, and Japan. Need to diffuse international tension and get along with the Big 3.
Asia
The Arab/Israel conflict is the biggest issue. Inter-Arab problems cause complexity in the region.
Middle East
Outdated term. Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) are critical, as are resources - must protect SLOC to ensure resource availability.
Third World Countries
Regional Problems Impacting US Foreign Policy
- Security of SLOC
- The breakup of the Soviet Union
- NATO modifications
