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This analysis explores the dynamics of U.S. foreign and military policy, emphasizing the role of public opinion, congressional authority, and interest groups. It highlights the significant influence of the President as a dominant figure, the complexities of decision-making in war and military engagements, and the implications of the War Powers Act on presidential actions. The piece contrasts various foreign policy ideologies, including isolationism, containment, and human rights advocacy, and delves into how these perspectives shape America's military and diplomatic stance globally.
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Foreign & Military Policy By: Anna Forster, Allison Henry, Cindy Li, Layla Tavangar, Zili Xu
Majoritarian – confer benefits & impose costs (go to war, alliances, etc.) • President = dominant figure, reflects public opinion • Foreign policy reflects interest groups • Congress plays larger role • Client politics – aid to US corporations abroad Kinds of Foreign Policies
President = commander in chief, appoints ambassadors, negotiates treaties • Congress must authorize money, confirm appointments, ratifies treaties, declares war • The public think the President is very powerful (only 5/13 wars approved by Cong) Constitution/Legal Context
Check on the president • Only 60 day commitment of troops without Cong’s declaration of war • All commitments reported to Cong within 48 hours • WPA has little influence: • Since its passing in 1973 every president has sent forces abroad w/o cong approval • Legislative veto to send troops home struck down in Chadha case War Powers Act
Power widespread, rivalries between branches • Secretary of State job too big for one person National Security Staff created • Public opinion = major factor • Americans support escalation rather than withdrawing during a conflict • Support president during times of crisis • Mass opinion = generally poorly informed, supportive of president, conservative • Elite opinion = better informed, opinions change faster, liberal & internationalist Decision Making/Public Opinion
1). Isolationism - opposition to getting involved in European wars (after WWI) • 2). Containment - iron curtain, defensive alliances welcome allies or prevent military conquest (after WWII) • 3). Disengagement – “new isolationism” (after Vietnam) • 4). Human Rights – genocides in Rwanda, China, etc. Four World Views of Foreign Policy
Forms of foreign policy: • discussions, treaties, organizations • troops, ships, aircraft, foreign aid • weapons of mass destruction • Majoritarian view - military exists to defend the country or help other nations defend (all benefit) • vs. military is too powerful view (benefits big corps) Military Force
US does not maintain large military during peacetime • Changes in spending reflect public opinion • Spending: • People (soldiers, etc.) = most expensive, # volunteers increased with pay raises • Hardware (aircrafts, etc.) • “Readiness” (training, supplies, food) • Cost overruns because: • Hard to estimate • Underestimate when want Congress to approve • Small ticket items may seem inexpensive but must be fit for military Defense Budget
4 branches of services cannot be merged • President = commander in chief Dept of Defense Specialized Commands • Department of Defense • Secretary of Defense • Secretaries of Army, Navy, Air force, Marines • Joint Chiefs of Staff – heads of each service, chairman, vice chairman, appointed officials Structure of Decision Making
Interest Group Politics – benefits on some small, identifiable group and impose costs on another group • For Repeal: • Human Rights Campaign – lesbian/gay equality • Against Repeal: • Center for Military Readiness – homosexuality is incompatible with military service Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTTaM-2ID20&feature=channel DADT signing
