Generally, a country’s foreign policy is the government’s approach to international relations. It involves making decisions about military interventions, trade agreements, diplomacy and other international issues. The field is a complex one, and the debates over it can be contentious. Despite the broad range of foreign policy positions, there are a few core ideas that run through them all.
Americanists argue that the United States’ unmatched power and global interests make it uniquely suited to lead as an arbiter of peace, a guarantor of security and a force for stability. Globalists add that the United States is not omnipotent, and that some crucial problems defy unilateral solutions, such as global warming and the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
Both views have a place in the national discussion, but they must be kept in balance. Regardless of how many resources their country has, people in most countries feel that they have a moral duty to help those with fewer resources. They also believe that their country’s economy and national security benefit from a close relationship with other nations.
On the other hand, right-leaning people believe that their country’s resources are limited and that it is better to concentrate on domestic issues. They have doubts, however, that their country’s leadership pursues involvement abroad for the right reasons. As a result, they often support policies that limit international engagement.