Foreign policy is the way a nation shapes its relations with other countries, with the goals of safeguarding and enhancing freedom, security, and prosperity for all people. As the world’s largest economy and most powerful military, America has unique influence over global affairs. Decisions in Washington have wide-ranging impacts, affecting people thousands of miles away. The United States has long enjoyed access to markets and currencies in other nations, while its trade restrictions have hurt foreign economies.
The success of foreign policy is dependent on cooperation. America’s primacy requires that other nations believe it is employed not just in our own interests but also in theirs. This can be achieved through creating international regimes that imbed the values and interests of all parties, such as the Marshall Plan and the Bretton Woods monetary system, and by demonstrating that we have no desire to shape foreign countries’ culture and politics.
It also requires a recognition that we can only protect our own interests if other nations share the burden of upholding global stability. As the world becomes more interconnected, fostering mutually beneficial relationships is vital to America’s future. In addition, addressing global events that have the potential to affect Americans at home—such as a pandemic or climate change—requires coordination and cooperation among all nations. For these reasons, the Reform Party supports U.S. diplomats, government officials and other personnel who make the American commitment to freedom and peace a reality.
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