To understand the goals within Foreign Policy, we must also learn exactly what Foreign Policy is. According to the Enclycolpedia Britannica, Foreign Policy is “general objectives that guide the activities and relationships of one state in its interactions with other states. The development of foreign policy is influenced by domestic considerations, the policies or behavior of other states, or plans to advance specific geopolitical designs.”
Foreign Policy is a set of goals that define how one country will work with another country in regards to politics, the economy, and the military. It also works with entities that are not considered countries. For example, these entities could be terrorists, large companies, or also religious groups around the world.
Within the United States, it is the duty of the State Department to establish the goals of foreign policy and execute them. Most all of the set goals are based upon working together with other countries. These goals include sustaining the power balance among other nations, resolving problems that arise internationally with allies, encourage foreign trade cooperation and involvement in international organizations, and to be an advocate for world peace, democratic values, a secure international environment, and human rights.
Although most all of these goals are promoting cooperation among nations, one goal, in particular, stands out among the rest. The intention to “protect the United States national security” can prompt selfishness and “me first” attitude from the US. This almost insinuates a possible conflict.
There are many people who have a hand in creating the foreign policy for the US. The policy is based upon setting goals that will solve problems internationally and stop them from getting to the point of a need for military settlement. The Secretary of State, the President, and other officials within the State Department are the ones who play a significant role in setting foreign policy. The President, however, is the prime person in charge of determining the US foreign policy. Ambassadors also make up the Foreign Service by serving as a representative of the US in other countries. They work to create peaceful relationships within the countries they reside in and the United States.
The goals of foreign policy are simple in that they work to create peace and unity among the nations around the world. These policies try to ensure problem solving and conflicts without the need for military action. United States policy has significantly changed over the last so many years and will continue to evolve as we understand the importance of getting along with other countries around the world.