Chapter
5
Contemporary
U.S. Foreign Policy Priorities
Introduction
America's global role and engagement continue to
evolve as new opportunities and challenges emerge. This chapter explores the
key foreign policy priorities, relationships, and interests currently shaping
the United States' interaction with the international community.
China:
Complex Rivalry with a Rising Power
One central focus of contemporary U.S. foreign policy
is managing the increasingly complex relationship with a rising China. China's
rapid economic expansion and military modernization have made it a major power
rival on the global stage. Key issues include trade imbalances, technology
theft, human rights, Taiwan’s status, territorial disputes in the South China
Sea, and competing visions for global order. The U.S. aims to balance strategic
competition with selective cooperation.
Russia:
Tensions with a Resurgent Global Player
Relations with a resurgent Russia under Putin’s
assertive leadership have grown strained, with issues like election meddling,
cyberattacks, Crimea’s annexation causing tension, and now war in Ukraine. The
U.S. seeks to cooperate where possible but push back against destabilizing
actions while defending allies.
The
Middle East: Ongoing Regional Challenges
The turbulent Middle East remains vitally important
for U.S. interests. Flashpoints include conflicts in Syria and Yemen, nuclear
tensions with Iran, Israel-Palestine relations, and domestic instability. The
U.S. engages diplomatically while balancing energy, counterterrorism, and
geopolitical interests.
Countering
Global Terrorism
Fighting terrorism persists as a top national
security priority. The persistent threat of attacks necessitates global
intelligence sharing and cooperation. The U.S. aims to combat extremist groups
like ISIS and al-Qaeda while upholding civil liberties.
Global
Health Security and Pandemic Preparedness
Disease outbreaks like COVID-19 highlight the urgency
of greater international cooperation on global health. U.S. priorities include
strengthening health systems, responding rapidly to outbreaks, ensuring vaccine
access, and reforming the WHO.
Emerging
Technologies and Cybersecurity
Preparing for emerging technologies and cyber threats is a pressing new policy sphere. Priorities include building cyber defenses, combating cyberattacks from state and non-state actors, and developing technology cooperation and norms.
Leveraging
International Institutions
The U.S. participates in institutions like the UN,
WHO, WTO, and NATO to tackle shared challenges and advance its interests. However,
tensions persist between multilateralism and unilateral action.
ü Conclusion
America’s complex foreign policy landscape spans
major power dynamics, regional conflicts, and transnational issues. As the
world grows more interconnected, the U.S. must adapt its priorities and
engagement strategies to the evolving global order. Next we’ll examine the role
of soft power and diplomacy.
Principles,
Pragmatism, and Change: An Examination of U.S. Foreign Policy Through the Ages
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