The foreign policy of a country is its strategy for using its power and influence to achieve its goals and interests in the world. It involves a mix of hard and soft power – military intervention, economic sanctions, nuclear deterrence and public diplomacy – to coerce or persuade other countries to cooperate or concede.
The United States is still the dominant power in the world, but it no longer enjoys exclusive super-power status in all aspects of international decision making and impact. This is due to changes in the distribution of global power, rather than America’s loss of capabilities.
In the wake of these trends, many people are questioning whether it is in their nation’s best interests to be actively engaged in world affairs. In our surveys, the most significant ideological divides on this question are found in the US, where 65% of liberals say it is the best option for their nation to be active in world affairs compared with 30% of conservatives.
There are important and legitimate reasons to continue supporting global institutions and agreements that promote freedom, stability and prosperity. But if it is perceived that Washington cares only about itself and is willing to use its unquestioned military and economic power to get what it wants, this will breed resentment – even among friends. The sustainability of American power depends on its ability to be employed wisely and in ways that also benefit others. This requires maintaining the foundations of the American economy, preserving America’s technological edge, sustaining its military capacity to intervene when necessary and building alliances that are based on mutual interest.
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