Diya Upreti, Jadetimes Staff
Diya Upreti is a Jadetimes news reporter covering US News
US Foreign Policy: Its Role and Influence in Contemporary International Politics
The United States has been a cornerstone of global politics for a long time, with a defining role in international relations, economic dynamics, and global security measures. US foreign policy has transformed over the past few years, especially with a changed set of alliances, new global threats, and shifting economic interests.
The main focus of US foreign policy will always be national security, economic growth, and democratic values. The trick is always in balancing all these. For example, it's one thing for the US to be part of organizations like NATO, emphasizing collective security; it's another thing altogether when nations believe that such involvements translate to interference. Another similar stance the US has is on free trade. This promotes economic benefits for partner nations but can strain domestic industries competing with foreign markets.
As if this is not enough of an example, the relationship between the US and China can be taken as another example. As China becomes increasingly economically and militarily strong, the US seeks ways to contain China in the Indo-Pacific region. The "Quad" alignment with Japan, Australia, and India has shown potential for increasing security in Asia-Pacific, but it scares Beijing and sets off geopolitical competition and its wider reach: trade war and issues on cybersecurity.
US foreign policy also significantly contributes to the global crisis. For instance, the Biden administration has been occupied with negotiations that are expected to bring peace to hotspots such as Israel-Gaza and confrontation of nuclear threats from North Korea and Iran. All these efforts indicate that the US is more of a peacemaker; however, all these efforts are still limited. These global crises are rather too complex. The US presence is widely perceived as arbitrary or exploitative, further diminishing any influence it could have within regions where it is felt that American motives are hostile.
In the past few years, US foreign policy has gained a new and significant target: climate change. Having lost its environmental leadership credentials, the country is currently trying to get back that status. The US seeks to address climate issues that involve other nations through efforts to abate greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate renewable energy transitions within developing countries. Ambitious as these goals are, they require international cooperation and US policies sometimes conflict with the economic interests of leading global players, complicating global action on climate.
All things considered, US foreign policy plays a significant role in world politics. It is a vast area that seeks to encourage security, trade, and democratic values yet always tries to find an equilibrium between national and international interests.
