The United States’ democratic system complicates the development and implementation of foreign policy as leadership changes every four to eight years introduce instability and potential inconsistency. In light of recurring administration changes, the United States has a responsibility to engage with foreign partners in a consistent and cohesive manner. In theory, this is a simple task, but in practice it becomes a complex issue fraught with partisan politics, conflicting ideologies, and innumerable opinions and judgments from politicians and officials throughout the government. Understanding the unique set of ideologies held by a newly elected president is critical to anticipating the ways in which foreign policy will be implemented.
Foreign policy is not simply an amalgamation of a diverse set of equally-significant policies, but a complex system comprised of a small group of core foreign policies supported by peripheral foreign policies. Core foreign policies are generally unchanging across presidential administrations and, in the United States, center on the importance of international cooperation and the acknowledgment that intervention is sometimes necessary, especially when it advances collective security or protects human and civil rights. Core foreign policies reflect strongly held eternal values in the United States, including “liberty, equality, justice, an opportunity to prosper…and a chance to live under the rule of law—not under the thumbs of tyrants.” (McCain 2010, 10)
Compared to core foreign policies, which reflect both good governance and fundamental American values, peripheral foreign policies reflect the personal approach each president takes and are influenced by personal ideologies. Peripheral foreign policies include the prioritization of various aspects of international affairs over others, the emphasis of diplomacy with some nations while others get excluded, and the specific selection of methods by which goals are achieved.US Presidents have considerable freedom to develop their own priorities and goals for foreign policy efforts for the duration of their administration. These priorities may reflect policy positions espoused while on the campaign trail or they may reflect facts relating to national security and internal diplomatic concerns only made privy to the president after his election. Presidents and other decision-makers are influenced by political, social, and economic factors, lensed through their personal beliefs. Understanding the knowledge and opinions held by an incoming president is critical to anticipating the likely periphery foreign policy strategies to be implemented during the coming administration.
Presidential opinions toward social issues in other nations provide insight into the potential for interventionist or isolationist foreign policy positions. Interventionist presidents will often advocate for U.S. foreign policy which fights human rights abuses and aims to alleviate human suffering around the world. (Schwartz 2012, 173) Conversely, isolationist presidents are less inclined to engage in international social justice issues or humanitarian crises. Isolationist presidents may participate in humanitarian action, however, if national security interests are affected or if such action can be used to justify military intervention in regions of strategic importance. (Whittall 2015, 1)Interventionist or isolationist foreign policy positions inherently include economic considerations, as strong economies support interventionist policies, while weak or contracting economies see increasingly isolationist policies. (Whittall 2015, 1-3)
A President’s understanding of domestic and international economics plays a significant role in foreign policy development. During periods of increased competition from other countries, presidents must advocate a foreign policy position which enhances competitiveness and ensures positive trade relations. Inasmuch as foreign policy affects the U.S. economy, economics influence foreign policy: the promise of trade and the threat of sanctions can influence another nation with the same efficacy as the threat of military intervention. (Garten 2005)
As a president’s personal values are reflected in their ideological positions, personal values influence foreign policy development in unexpected ways. Personal values are the amalgamation of beliefs and opinions on social issues (i.e., immigration, racism, sexism, religion, etc.) and life experiences, and form the foundation of personality and overall character. (Schoen 2007, 410-412) Personality traits and values may not be immediately apparent when examining the foreign policy opinions of a president, but because personality traits are connected to and affected by external stimuli, high-intensity events may expose previously unknown traits and values.(Schoen 2007, 412)The influence of personal values on foreign policy can shift a previously isolationist president to adopt interventionist policies, or vice-versa.
Reducing the effects of ideology on peripheral foreign policy not only creates stability within the government, it promotes stability on the international stage through consistent engagement with and messaging from the United States. Cooperation between the United States and its allies will benefit from a more consistent and cohesive foreign policy in which American commitments to its allies will withstand administration changes and a fluctuating personal ideology presence. This stability can also encourage nations to increase engagement with the United States, whereas inconsistent policies based on shifting personal ideology may otherwise discourage diplomatic contact. Failing to address the influence of ideology on peripheral foreign policy thus increases the likelihood of the United States neglecting other nations in need of support, unnecessarily entering into conflict with other nations, or failing to defend itself from external threats.
Officials involved in foreign policy development are encouraged to think critically and engage in introspection and examination of the arguments proposed in favor of or in opposition to a specified foreign policy position. In addition to examining the sources of existing knowledge, officials are encouraged to review information which runs counter to existing opinions or beliefs, or information which comes from different sources, including those holding opposing opinions. Beyond the simple consideration of policy alternatives, divergent information may identify gaps in understanding which may indicate a need for reexamination of available sources or the collection of new information. Officials should also be encouraged to review their own foreign policy decisions and the decisions made by others to consider the influence of their own personal ideologies, not just that of the Commander-in-Chief.
As discussed above, political, social, and economic ideologies have direct effects on peripheral foreign policy decisions and need constant mitigation and vetting. Addressing these influences will help counter their potential negative effects on foreign policy development and help decision-makers create rational foreign policy in the best interests of the global community. Thus, executive and legislative personnel, both elected and appointed, have a responsibility to their constituents and the country as a whole to work to eliminate ideological influence from foreign policy. Shaping rational and coherent foreign policy protects the interests of the nation and must remain the ideal for the president, Congress, and other affected decision-makers.
The above recommendations provide a path toward successful foreign policy development. Understanding the distinction between core and peripheral foreign policies, particularly the influence of ideology on peripheral foreign policy, is an underappreciated aspect of global security analysis. Ultimately, more in-depth investigations into this relationship will open up new discussions and more cooperative dialogue between disparate actors the world over. Hopefully, this will lessen conflict and heighten opportunities for peaceful collaboration.
