Foreign Policy Flashcards
(39 cards)
What is the ‘national interest’?
The conditions necessary to protect a nation’s security and way of life.
What was the U.S. policy of containment after WWII?
A strategy to prevent Soviet expansion through military alliances, economic aid, and diplomatic efforts.
What is the role of the IMF?
To provide short-term loans to countries facing financial crises.
Why did President Trump withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)?
He argued it would hurt U.S. manufacturing and result in job losses.
What is the likely future of U.S. political party coalitions on free trade?
Both parties face internal divisions, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction regarding future trade agreements.
What political challenge does Hillary Clinton’s position on TPP illustrate?
It shows the difficulty of balancing labor support and professional class voters within the Democratic coalition.
What is an example of a Democratic president who shifted positions on trade once in office?
Barack Obama; he campaigned against NAFTA and trade deals but supported them as president.
How do Democrats show both support and opposition to free trade?
Democrats often oppose free trade in campaigns but support it in practice once in office, as seen with Obama and trade deals.
Why are Republicans more sensitive to populist economic concerns today?
The Republican base now includes more downscale voters, requiring the party to balance populist concerns with business interests.
How has the GOP’s voter base shifted since 1980?
Working-class white Americans increasingly identify as Republicans rather than Democrats.
What long-term trend explains the GOP’s shift away from strong free trade support?
The GOP has attracted more working-class, rural, and small-town white voters who are skeptical of free trade.
What political faction within the GOP opposed fast-track authority for TPP?
The Tea Party–inspired Freedom Caucus, which provided twenty-two ‘no’ votes.
Why is Trump’s opposition to TPP notable within the Republican Party?
It reflects the rise of populism in the GOP and a break from its traditional pro-business, pro-free trade stance.
What surprising stance did Donald Trump take on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)?
He called it a ‘terrible deal’ and opposed it, aligning with populist opposition despite traditional Republican support for free trade.
Which president initiated NAFTA negotiations?
George H. W. Bush, finalized under President Bill Clinton.
What was the economic result of removing the gold standard?
Increased flexibility in U.S. monetary policy and inflation control.
Why did President Nixon end the gold standard in 1971?
To allow the dollar’s value to float freely, helping control inflation and trade imbalances.
What was the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT)?
U.S.-Soviet negotiations during the Cold War to limit nuclear weapons.
Give an example of soft power.
Foreign aid, cultural diplomacy, and participation in global organizations like the UN.
What is smart power?
A combination of hard power (military force) and soft power (diplomacy and economic influence) to achieve foreign policy goals.
Why do sanctions often fail?
Leaders are rarely personally impacted, and sanctioned nations may find alternative trading partners.
What is an example of successful economic sanctions?
Sanctions on Iran contributed to the nuclear agreement, though long-term effectiveness is debated.
What are economic sanctions?
Penalties applied by one country to another, typically through trade restrictions or financial freezes, to change behavior.
How has the U.S. responded to China’s expansion in the South China Sea?
Increased naval presence and formed defense pacts, such as with the Philippines.
