foreign policy & trade
The U.S. is one of the world’s largest economies and a global leader in both trade and foreign affairs. Its policies balance national interests, global cooperation, and security, shaped by both historical commitments and shifting international dynamics.
general notes
U.S. is among the top three global importers and exporters
major trade is conducted with Europe and Asia
imports large quantities of mineral oil and iron ore to support its industrial sector
trade authority lies with Congress (Article I, Section 8, Paragraph 1 of the Constitution)
includes power to impose tariffs, set tariff rates, and implement trade agreements
over time, Congress has delegated some trade powers to the executive branch
post-WWII, the U.S. worked with the British government to form early global trade systems like the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the proposed International Trade Organization (ITO) → more below!
the 1920s marked a period of economic growth under classical supply-side policies
boost economic growth by increasing production through tax cuts, deregulation, and incentives for businesses
enforces laws and is headed by the President
lists the powers of Congress, including the power to tax, borrow money, regulate commerce, declare war, raise armies, make all laws “necessary and proper” to carry out its duties
key trade policies & agreements
GATT & World Trade Organization (WTO): foundational frameworks for global trade, promoting lower tariffs and expanded international commerce
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (1994): created free trade between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) (2020): updated NAFTA under President Donald Trump, added new rules on labour protections and auto production
Republican president who served from 2017 to 2021, 2025 to 2029
major foreign policy initiatives
Monroe Doctrine (1823): declared U.S. opposition to European interference in the western hemisphere → an early assertion of global influence
Marshall Plan (1948): provided billions in aid to rebuild Europe after WWII, aimed at containing communism and promoting democracy
Foreign Assistance Act (1961): authorized foreign aid programs, including military and humanitarian support, especially during the Cold War
military alliances and global coordination
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) (1949): military alliance between the U.S., Canada, and European allies
article 5: an attack on one member is an attack on all
NATO: controversy and debate
supporters argue:
deters russian aggression, especially after recent invasions of Ukraine
strengthens global democracy and shared values
spreads military responsibilities among allies
enables joint training, rapid coordination, and crisis response
critics argue:
NATO is outdated and designed for the Cold War era
U.S. pays a disproportionate share while European members underinvest
worsens tensions with Russia and may provoke conflict
could entangle the U.S. in wars that don’t serve national interests
executive vs legislative power
War Powers Resolution (1973): limits the president’s ability to send troops into combat without congressional approval after 60 days
party views
democrats, in general....
support diplomacy, international alliances, and cooperation with global organizations (UN, NATO, WTO)
back foreign aid, climate agreements, and global health initiatives
favour multilateral trade deals with labour and environmental protections
cautious about military intervention, emphasize congressional oversight
prioritize U.S. interests in trade, foreign affairs, nationalism with reduced global involvement
republicans, in general....
advocate for america first policies and protecting national sovereignty
skeptical of international organizations if they limit U.S. independence
favour strong military presence and bilateral trade deals
more likely to cut foreign aid, especially to adversarial nations
critical of free trade when it undercuts U.S. workers or industries