Determinants of the Foreign Policy of

the USA
Introduction
Foreign policy is the collection of strategies, decisions, and actions taken by a country to
safeguard its national interests and achieve its international goals. It reflects how a country
perceives the world and positions itself globally.
For the United States of America, foreign policy has evolved dramatically over time — from
the isolationist principles of the 18th and 19th centuries to the active global leadership role
it assumed in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Understanding the forces that shape US foreign policy provides valuable insight into how
the world’s most powerful nation responds to international events, balances domestic
interests, and navigates global challenges.

From George Washington’s advice to avoid “entangling alliances” to the modern era of
complex international commitments, America’s foreign policy is influenced by a rich
combination of factors — geographical, economic, ideological, political, historical, and
institutional.

Importance of Foreign Policy

Foreign policy is critical for the following reasons:
- National Security: Protecting the country from external threats, including military
aggression, terrorism, cyberattacks, and economic coercion.
- Economic Prosperity: Facilitating international trade, securing access to resources,
promoting investment, and ensuring economic growth.
- Global Stability: Participating in international organizations and treaties to manage
conflicts, promote peace, and foster cooperation.
- Promotion of Ideals: Advancing democracy, human rights, and the rule of law globally to
create a world more aligned with American values.
- Strategic Influence: Maintaining alliances, shaping regional balances of power, and
ensuring the US remains a decisive voice in world affairs.

Thus, foreign policy is not only a reflection of internal priorities but also a means to mold
the external environment in ways that favor American interests and values.

Major Determinants of the Foreign Policy of the USA

1. Geopolitical Factors
Geography has historically insulated the United States from many global conflicts, with the
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans acting as natural protective barriers. However, this very
geography also shaped an imperative for dominance in the Western Hemisphere and
strategic access to global sea routes.
Subpoints:
- Monroe Doctrine (1823): Asserted US dominance in the Western Hemisphere, warning
European powers against colonization efforts.
- Manifest Destiny: Expansion across North America influenced policies towards
neighboring territories.
- Global Presence: Strategic bases in Guam, Puerto Rico, and elsewhere ensure American
reach across the globe.

Modern Context:
Today, the US maintains over 800 military bases in more than 70 countries, demonstrating
its global strategic footprint shaped by geopolitical necessities.

2. Economic Interests
Economic prosperity is a foundational pillar of US foreign policy. As a capitalist economy
reliant on global trade, the US needs stable international markets and access to resources.
Subpoints:
- Trade Agreements: NAFTA, USMCA, and numerous bilateral treaties aim to reduce barriers
and protect American business interests abroad.
- Resource Security: Policies are designed to secure energy supplies, rare minerals, and new
markets for American goods and services.
- Global Financial Institutions: Through entities like the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
and World Bank, the US exerts influence over global economic governance.

Example:
The Marshall Plan was not just altruistic aid; it was also an economic strategy to rebuild
markets for American exports post-World War II.

3. National Security Concerns

Perhaps the most visible determinant is the imperative to defend American lives and
territory. From military buildups to intelligence sharing, safeguarding national security
drives a significant portion of foreign policy.
Subpoints:
- Counterterrorism: Post-9/11 policies expanded US global military presence under the
"War on Terror."
- Nonproliferation Efforts: Preventing the spread of nuclear weapons remains a core US
policy, influencing relations with countries like Iran and North Korea.
- Homeland Defense: Cybersecurity, border control, and counterintelligence operations
abroad directly tie into national security strategies.

Example:
The preemptive invasion of Iraq in 2003 was justified by the perceived threat of Weapons of
Mass Destruction (WMDs), even though evidence later proved weak.

4. Ideology and Political Culture

American foreign policy is deeply rooted in ideological beliefs about democracy, capitalism,
and human rights. "American Exceptionalism" — the notion that the US has a unique
responsibility to spread freedom and democracy — influences interventionist policies.
Subpoints:
- Humanitarian Interventions: US involvement in Kosovo (1999) and Libya (2011) was
partly justified by the need to protect civilians.
- Promotion of Democracy: Through support for dissident movements in authoritarian
regimes like Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran.
- Public Diplomacy: Initiatives like the Peace Corps and USAID reflect ideological missions
beyond mere economic or security goals.

Example:
The Cold War was not only about military power but also an ideological battle between
democracy and communism.

5. Domestic Politics
US foreign policy is shaped by a dynamic interplay of political actors at home. The President,
Congress, political parties, media, and public opinion all have significant influence.
Subpoints:
- Lobby Groups: Pro-Israel groups, Cuban-American organizations, and defense industry
lobbyists regularly influence policy decisions.
- Elections: Foreign policy can shift based on electoral promises, such as Biden’s promise to
restore alliances after Trump’s "America First" approach.
- Media Impact: Media coverage of international crises, such as the Rwandan Genocide,
pressures policymakers to act (or not).

Example:
The Vietnam War’s unpopularity eventually forced the US to withdraw under immense
public and congressional pressure.

6. International Organizations and Law

Global institutions structure US interactions with the world. Although the US often acts
unilaterally, it also uses multilateral forums to legitimize its actions.
Subpoints:
- United Nations: US veto power in the Security Council gives it significant control over
international peace and security matters.
- World Trade Organization (WTO): Trade disputes are often handled through legal
frameworks benefiting US interests.
- NATO: Collective defense agreements deter potential threats against the US and its allies.
Example:
The Gulf War (1990–1991) was executed with wide international backing through UN
resolutions, showcasing the role of global institutions.

7. Historical Experiences
The past heavily informs the present. Traumatic wars, ideological victories, and even failed
policies become lessons shaping future actions.
Subpoints:
- Isolationism Post-WWI: Refusal to join the League of Nations influenced a more reserved
approach until WWII.
- Interventionism Post-WWII: Learning the dangers of appeasement, the US chose active
global leadership after 1945.
- Vietnam Syndrome: A cautionary approach toward military interventions emerged after
the costly and divisive Vietnam War.

Example:
The reluctance to intervene militarily in Rwanda (1994) was partly due to fears rooted in
the painful experience of Somalia (1993).

Case Studies: Practical Applications

- Iraq War (2003): Motivated by a mixture of national security fears (WMDs), ideological
goals (spreading democracy), and economic interests (oil).
- Marshall Plan (1948): Aimed at rebuilding Europe’s economy and preventing the spread of
communism.
- Cold War (1947–1991): Guided US foreign policy through containment, deterrence, and
ideological competition with the Soviet Union.
- Vietnam War (1955–1975): Highlighted the impact of ideology (anti-communism) and
domestic politics (public opposition).
- Afghanistan Withdrawal (2021): Showed changing priorities, balancing public exhaustion,
costs, and strategic recalibration.

Conclusion
The determinants of the foreign policy of the United States are complex, dynamic, and
interconnected. No single factor explains every decision; rather, it is the interaction of
geography, economy, ideology, security concerns, domestic politics, and historical memory
that shapes America's actions abroad.
In the 21st century, as the world becomes more multipolar, interconnected, and digitalized,
new determinants such as cybersecurity, climate change, and information warfare are
becoming increasingly important.
Understanding the past and present drivers of US foreign policy allows scholars,
policymakers, and citizens to better anticipate future directions in American engagement
with the world.

References
- Mead, Walter Russell. Special Providence: American Foreign Policy and How It Changed
the World.
- Jentleson, Bruce W. American Foreign Policy: The Dynamics of Choice in the 21st Century.
- Nye, Joseph S. Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics.
- US Department of State: www.state.gov
- Congressional Research Service Reports
- Kissinger, Henry. Diplomacy.