If you were to asked to make a speech on the effect of economic considerations on the president's foreign policy, what would you say, and how would you illustrate your points?

Question

In your answer, identify how the economy has evolved and how that has affected the power of the president in relation to foreign policy.

Answer 1

The ideal answer should:
a. Identify that foreign policy is more than just the projection of military power and the establishment of political alliances; economic policy can also be used by presidents to promote Americansecurity and political objectives.
b. Discuss the rise of globalization and economic liberalization, noting that the United States was the main exporter in the first few decades after World War II and that, although US efforts to liberalize global trade led to other countries (Germany, Japan, China) becoming manufacturing centers as well, the United States is still near the top.
c. Demonstrate how the strength of America's economy allows presidents to influence other states in the international system, for example,by threatening to suspend or cut trade relations with other states, to advance the US policy agenda. Examples include the use of sanctions against Libya in the early 2000s and the increased economic relations with Japan following World War II.
d. Note that there is debate over whether the influence of presidential actions in the global economic arena is positive or negative overall, since in addition to achieving compliance and cooperation, they may also exacerbate tensions, for example,in Latin America and the Caribbean, and foster vulnerability because of economic interdependence.