What Values Have Shaped America's Foreign Policy

Foreign policy determines how America conducts relations with other countries. America’s foreign policy today covers a wide range of functions and issues. It seeks the power to protect and display America’s national interests around the globe. These national interests shape foreign policy and cover a wide range of political, economic, military and ideological concerns. On September 11th, 2001, two hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center towers, collapsing and causing over 2500 deaths. This attack would be the largest on US soil, shocking not only the US people but also everyone worldwide. When looking at the history of our nation, it is important to consider if America’s interest are consistent throughout time, or if somehow the events of 9/11 shifted the way our foreign policy behaved at home and abroad. While exploring our nation’s past, it is evident that our country as a whole has changed, along with our foreign policy. America’s foreign policy has changed over time reflecting the change in its national interest. While …show more content…
In recent years, the United States has increasingly been sought to administer aid to foreign countries, both militarily and economically. The Obama Administration has made efforts to reframe foreign policy regarding U.S. aid as not only a moral issue, but also one to strengthen America’s security and economic conditions. When looking at the history of American foreign policy, it is obvious that we act in selfish ways; practicing whatever policy we seem fit at that given time. Although American foreign policy did not always stay consistent, I believe the intentions of the U.S. were consistent, always looking out to develop economic gains. The United States has taken leadership roles in peacemaking across the globe, and as a world leader has practiced their self proclaimed duty as, ‘democracy defenders,’ whether you want our help, or