Economic and commercial consideration in the American foreign policy

Résumé du document

The American imperialism began about 100 years ago, in 1890, with the end of the Frontier, an imaginary line that separated civilization from wilderness and that was constantly moving towards west. The Second World War, the rise of new markets, development of new technologies stimulated the US and seem to have insured its success since 1940. The US realized that an isolationist policy was inadequate since its growth and prosperity depended on the international economy.

Extraits

[...] The influence of the Military Industrial lobby and other pressure groups shows a certain importance in the American foreign policy. However, government entities are more influential than any lobby. Conclusion As a conclusion I would say that the US, mainly influenced by various actors, tends to base its foreign policy upon self interests rather than its ideology and often, ideals are used as a pretext for national interests. However, American “internationalism” has often clashed with foreign mistrust and the US has been criticized for wanting to “rule the world” in the name of defense of its values. [...]

[...] Who influences the American foreign policy? Defining who has a role in the American foreign policy is quite complex since many actors with divergent opinions and interests try to influence it. Initially, foreign policy is dictated by the leaders of the US but influence on foreign policy may also come from a particular interest that a person or a group wants to put forward A. The role of the American government The president is a persuader more than a commander in Foreign policy. [...]

[...] The US began to look outside of its territory, seeking overseas what it couldn't find on its territory anymore. The second world war, the opening of new markets, the new technologies were all frontiers that stimulated the US and seem to have insured its success since 1940. The US realized that an isolationist policy was inadequate since its growth and prosperity depended on the international economy. The adoption of an internationalist policy after the second world war, meant the important of defending American interest abroad and therefore to try and influence the course of event abroad to protect these interests. [...]

[...] European economic stability meant American economic stability. The Marshall Plan was also a way of selling American industrial production to the countries that benefited from the Plan. Beyond political and ideological views, the US' main goal was, of course to extend the market for its industrial production. B. The American hegemony Since the end of the cold war, the US has had a unique position in the world. It's an unprecedented status: the absence of any rival anywhere makes the US a global power. [...]

[...] This hegemony rests on the US economic, military, cultural, and technological domination. Ever since the end of the second world war, the US has tried to dominate and to eliminate any rivals. American capitalism is based upon the exploitation of the vast world population by a minority who wants to own and control all the resources. And very often, the US uses its military supremacy to reach its goals. Throughout the last century, American leaders have justified wars and interventions with the rhetorical “protection of democracy”, “strike back against attacks” and more recently with “humanitarian” missions. [...]