Foreign policy updates
The world’s leaders face immense challenges: humanitarian crisis exacerbated by climate change; adversaries seeking to expand their influence and exert power; autocrats threatening democracy from within and without; and new technologies enabling the spread of hate speech, extremism, and warfare. These issues impact the security, well-being, and prosperity of billions of people—including Americans.
Diplomacy is a vital tool in advancing the United States’ interests around the globe and maintaining global stability. Diplomacy includes promoting trade, encouraging foreign investment, and addressing economic issues with other nations; negotiating peace agreements and disarming the arms race; establishing and maintaining diplomatic relations; and providing humanitarian aid and development assistance to countries in need. Diplomats also work to ensure that the United States’ military can respond rapidly and effectively to crises arising in the region, whether it be fighting terrorists or responding to natural disasters.
In recent years, the Trump administration has shifted from an approach of building partnerships and strengthening America’s role in the world to one of intense competition with Russia and China—a strategy of “great power competition.” This shift has been reflected in new national security strategies, budget proposals, a revamped foreign aid system, and hiring decisions that signal a more hawkish approach to international affairs.
The United States is connected to more than 190 countries and territories, and maintains diplomatic relations with many of them as well as with many international organizations. American leaders must manage these relationships to advance the nation’s values and interests, foster understanding of different cultures, promote economic growth and development, and help prevent violent conflict.
