Foreign Policy Priorities

Critical Analysis

1. Based on the visual above, in 2002 what portion of Republicans wanted the U.S. to take an active role in world affairs?

2. Based on the visual above, describe the overall trend in support from Americans of all political party affiliation for the U.S. taking an active role in world affairs?

3. The two leading Republican presidential nominees both openly oppose interventionism in Ukraine, like providing the country with further assistance in its war against Russia. Last week Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said that defending Ukraine from Russia was not “vital” to American interests, a position similar to former President Donald Trump. Back in 2003, when the United States invaded Iraq under the leadership of Republican President George W. Bush, it was the right that favored global intervention. Based on the visual above, describe the change in Republican support for the U.S. taking an active role in world affairs.

4. Republican views on U.S. involvement in foreign affairs could be taken as evidence of a move to isolationism (the opposite of interventionism). Why do you think support for an active role in world affairs has diminished in all parties since 2002?

5. The U.S. Constitution parcels out foreign relations powers to both the executive and legislative branches. It grants some powers, like command of the military, exclusively to the president and others, like the declaration of war and the regulation of foreign commerce, to Congress. Describe how this separation of powers in foreign policy could limit U.S. foreign involvement?

6. Explain how the trends in public opinion regarding American involvement in foreign affairs in the visuals above and below* might impact U.S. involvement in Ukraine or other future foreign conflicts.

7. Based on the visuals above and below*, describe the gap between Democrats and Republicans regarding public opinion on foreign policy.

8. Who are some of the departments and organizations that assist all Presidents in formulating foreign policy?

9. Explain whether you think the U.S. should take an active role in world affairs.

10. Make a claim about whether changing American views on American involvement in foreign affairs is good news for Russia and China and other U.S. adversaries.

Learning Extension

Listen to this NPR story: How Has U.S. Foreign Policy Changed Over The Years? The Answer May Surprise You

Action Extension

Contact President Biden and let him know what you think he should do about America’s role in foreign affairs.

Visual Extension*