Decline Of America In Foreign Policy Essay

, Research Paper

Strengths of Foreign PolicyDecline Of America In Foreign PolicyI. Introduction A. Foreign Policy1. Foreign Policy2. Areas Foreign Policy Involves3. Is America On The Decline.II. America Is On The Decline A. U.S. Foreign Policy Is Unsound And Ineffective1. Falling Behind As A World Leader B. Our Policies Are Unsuccessful1. Loss Of American Powers2. Loss Of Allies Trust C. Military Ineffectiveness D. Economic Policies1. Fall Of American Currency Value2. Downward Spiral Of International Business E. Unorganized Authority Structure1. Executive2. Legislative 3. Public OpinionII. America Is Not On The Decline A. U.S. Foreign Policy Is Sound And Effective B. Our Policies Have Been Successful1. Power Of America Is Stronger And Stronger2. Wide System Of Alliances 3. Strong Military Effectiveness4. Strong Economic Policies5. Authority Is Reasonably And Effectively AdministeredIV. Conclusion A. Position Merits B. Americas Decline In Foreign Policy ConclusionSummaryThrough a cross examination of the pros and cons of foreign policy, I found the answer to the enigma posed. America is not on the decline. The evidence is seen by the results produced. Economic, social, and political conditions have increased for the better. This shows that American foreign policy is on the rise. Strength of America’s Foreign PolicyAs the world grows smaller through advancements in technology, travel, and communications the United States must become aware of it’s global position. Each gateway that opens the economic and social realms of foreign nations allows opportunities for objectives to be accomplished. The realization of these goals comes through the establishment of a strong foreign policy. Foreign Policy is a series of goals that a nation hopes to achieve with respect to other countries and international issues (Rourke 1). This entails not only government relations, but organizations, companies, and other orders of business. The effects of foreign policy are seen in several aspects of public affairs. The majority of Americans are uninformed to the importance foreign policy plays in their daily lives. This lack of awareness causes several questions to arise. The people and the government must ask themselves if we should focus a large amount of energy in this area. In order to do this we must look at the past, present, and future and evaluate the consequences on the various factors in today’s modern society. America must ask themselves if the United States foreign policy is on the rise or flailing in the midst of cloudy circumstance. The answer to the question will inevitably broaden the scope of perception and allow individuals to realize that America is truly on the rise in foreign policy. The best way to examine the effectiveness of a policy is to point out the weaknesses. The roots of America started out as a young, independent nation aspiring to be a leader on the global level. The decline was not a drastic transition, but rather a slow erosion of principles. One of the main factors that tore foreign policy down was the strong arm of communism. We can trace the beginnings “as early as the dark days of World War I” (Hargis 55). An official in charge of policies under President Woodrow Wilson ushered in the Soviet regime, thinking he was promoting democracy. Instead he allowed an open door for the Communist ideal. At that point America began it’s descent into a battle for global freedom and true democracy. Later in World War II thinking that the Soviets were the key to the defeat of Hitler, we supported their plight. As time progressed the United States realized the impact and the force of their rash decisions. As Russia grew into super power the cracks in a weak and unmanaged foreign policy began to show. The cold war that followed further exhibited Americas weaknesses. The United States was willing to give too much, too fast in order to achieve a type of world unity. Foreign nations soon realized the potential and began taking shots at the weak under belly of the United States. The events that followed further tarnished Americas glossy outer appearance. The Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam war, and the Iran-Contra affair are all examples of policies gone wrong. Since the creation of our nation “foreign policy efforts complicated by the United States Constitution’s broad grant of independent authority over foreign affairs to the Congress, which has control over the purse, the power to approve treaties and appointments and legislative authority over trade and other external matters” (Rosner 1). The blame cannot be placed upon one party or one branch. In a system of checks and balances the entire structure must be in agreement. Without unity and order the policies are impossible to enforce. America came to a point where it realized the weaknesses in it’s foreign policy. It was not until the end of the cold war that “Congress was allowed to flex it’s muscles on foreign policy” ending the president’s record of prevailing Congress on a majority of the national security issues (Rosner 1). It is the unorganized authority structure that has struck the final blow to the once strong foreign policy. Once again it is not one specific area, but rather many weak links in the chain of command. A lack of enforcement by the branches of the United States military has caused their high esteem and precedence to fall by the way. The mismanagement of the economic plan, currency, and the downward spiral of internati