Foreign policy is the complex set of decisions and actions by which governments shape their nation’s position in the world. As such, it encompasses a broad range of activities, from building relationships with other nations and people to fighting for international stability and security. It involves not only a country’s military and economic power, but also its cultural appeal and political legitimacy—what Joseph Nye has called soft power.
While there is no central world-level authority that dictates when, where, and how the nations of the world should interact with one another, there are some guiding principles. Countries that engage in a pattern of behavior that threatens other states, for example, can be sanctioned by their peers through voluntary organizations like the United Nations or African Union. But even with these institutions, the process of diplomacy is an ongoing bargain as issues evolve and governmental leaders change.
Despite the rise of isolationist voices in Washington, most Americans continue to support an active US role in world affairs. They see the benefits of both alliances and superior military power in protecting America’s interests and values, as well as supporting global trade. They also believe that the United States should help those who need it the most, though opinions about how to achieve this differ between Republicans and Democrats (see Figure A). However, a growing number of Americans think that the federal government should spend less on foreign aid and military assistance.