Navigating the U.S. Foreign Policy Crisis Amid Domestic Instability
Written by Karolin Rippich (YSC Communications Manager) based on ‘Verunsichert, konfus, führungsschwach: Die USA, im Inneren gespalten, präsentieren sich auch außenpolitisch desolat - Der Untergang großer Reiche markiert die Fallhöhe für die Supermacht’ by Prof. Klaus Larres
Image by Scott & Michael Seviour-Owens from Pixabay
Introduction
The United States, a long-standing superpower, is grappling with an internal crisis marked by deep political divisions and a foreign policy that lacks coherence. As the nation’s domestic issues intensify, its international influence and strategy appear increasingly uncertain. With the upcoming election, this brief proposes a course of action to stabilize U.S. foreign policy through bipartisan collaboration and a clearly articulated, forward-looking strategy.
Background
Historically, U.S. foreign policy was characterized by stability and bipartisan support, with administrations maintaining a relatively consistent international strategy (Hastedt, 2017; Larres, 2024). However, since the early 21st century, shifts in leadership have resulted in inconsistent policy directions, exemplified by oscillating stances on climate policy and responses to international conflicts (Larres, 2024). Additionally, growing domestic divides over key issues like immigration, climate action, and social policies contribute to a volatile political environment, which threatens U.S. global leadership (Friedrich & Tama, 2022; Rhodes, 2024). External powers, such as China and Russia, view this instability as an opportunity to advance their own agendas (Larres, 2014), further diminishing U.S. influence on the global stage.
Analysis
The domestic turmoil within the U.S. manifests in three key ways:
Partisan Polarization: The U.S. is experiencing heightened political polarization, particularly between the Democratic and Republican parties (Friedrichs & Tama, 2022). Debates over issues such as racial equality, gender identity, and immigration have reached unprecedented levels of hostility, exacerbating social divisions and straining policy consensus (Larres, 2024). This polarization fuels policy reversals and weakens foreign policy consistency, a challenge the next administration must actively address.
Foreign Policy Inconsistencies: The frequent changes in policy direction, particularly concerning climate agreements (e.g., the U.S. withdrawal and reentry into the Paris Agreement), illustrate the broader issue of strategic incoherence (Larres, 2024; Rhodes, 2020). This inconsistency undermines U.S. credibility with both allies and adversaries.
Perceived Decline in Global Leadership: Rival states, notably China and Russia, are capitalizing on this perceived decline. By pushing their anti-Western agendas, they seek to fill the void left by the U.S. and challenge the liberal international order (Friedrichs & Tama, 2022; Larres, 2024). To counterbalance their growing influence, the next administration must project stability and a unified front.
Policy Recommendations
To restore stability and leadership in U.S. foreign policy, a multipronged approach is recommended:
Bipartisan Commission for Strategic Policy Development: To overcome entrenched partisan divides, the commission should focus on three structural approaches:
Shared Accountability: Establish bipartisan co-sponsorship standards, ensuring recommendations are jointly endorsed by both parties to promote collective ownership.
Cross-Party Training: Implement bipartisan training sessions to foster mutual understanding and align on core national interests, incentivized through committee rankings or public recognition.
Public Principles Commitment: Require commission members to publicly commit to foundational principles—like national security and economic stability—over party interests, enhancing transparency and accountability.
Strengthening Transatlantic Relations: Reinforce partnerships with European allies to counterbalance adversaries like China and Russia. By prioritizing collective action on pressing global issues—such as climate change, economic stability, and cybersecurity—this approach can align with core U.S. interests across party lines, providing a consistent foundation for U.S. foreign policy.
Addressing Domestic Divides: Policymakers must acknowledge the impact of domestic instability on foreign policy. Initiatives aimed at bridging societal divides through inclusive policies and national dialogue are essential for projecting strength and unity on the global stage.
Conclusion
The U.S. stands at a critical juncture, with its status as a global leader under threat from both internal discord and external challenges. A bipartisan commitment to a clear and consistent foreign policy, coupled with efforts to heal domestic divisions, is crucial for regaining international standing and ensuring stability. Regardless of the election outcome, these recommendations provide a foundation for unified, resilient U.S. foreign policy.
References
Friedrichs, G.M. & Tama, J. (2022) ‘Polarization and US foreign policy: key debates and new findings’, International Politics, 59(5), pp. 767–785. doi: 10.1057/s41311-022-00381-0.
Hastedt, G.P. (2017) American Foreign Policy: Past, Present, and Future. Rowman & Littlefield.
Larres, K. (2024) ‘Verunsichert, konfus, führungsschwach: Die USA, im Inneren gespalten, präsentieren sich auch außenpolitisch desolat - Der Untergang großer Reiche markiert die Fallhöhe für die Supermacht’, Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, 29 October.
Rhodes, B. (2020) ‘What It Will Take to Fix U.S. Foreign Policy’, Foreign Affairs, 99(5), pp. 46–83. Available at: https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.journals/fora99&i=876 (Accessed 02 November 2024).
Rhodes, B. (2024) ‘A Foreign Policy for the World as It Is: Biden and the Search for a New American Strategy’, Foreign Affairs, 103(4), pp. 8–23. Available at: https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.journals/fora103&i=646 (Accessed 02 November 2024).
Wyne, A. (2022) America’s Great-Power Opportunity: Revitalizing U.S. Foreign Policy to Meet the Challenges of Strategic Competition. John Wiley & Sons.
Please see below for an English synopsis of ‘Verunsichert, konfus, führungsschwach: Die USA, im Inneren gespalten, präsentieren sich auch außenpolitisch desolat - Der Untergang großer Reiche markiert die Fallhöhe für die Supermacht’:
This article discusses the current state of the United States as a superpower facing significant internal and external challenges. Domestically, the U.S. is portrayed as deeply divided and grappling with political and social conflicts over issues like immigration, climate change policy, abortion, and social equality. The hostile political climate, particularly evident in the ongoing presidential campaigns, has led to fears of a potential civil conflict. The 19th century divide between the South and the North still follows largely the 19th century Mason-Dixon line. The article also highlights a resurgence of racism, antisemitism, and extreme right-wing ideologies.
Externally, the U.S. is seen as having lost its strategic direction, with its foreign policy lacking coherence and vision. The inconsistency in handling international agreements, on topics such as climate policies, and the reactionary nature of its responses to global developments, particularly in relation to rivals like China and Russia, signify a decline in global leadership. The article traces this crisis back to pivotal events like the 2003 Iraq invasion, which weakened U.S. influence and emboldened regional adversaries like Iran.
The comparison to historical empires like Rome and the British Empire suggests that the U.S. is at risk of hegemonic decline if it cannot restore domestic unity and strategic clarity in its foreign policy. Despite past resilience and moments of renewal, such as during the Reagan era, the article expresses skepticism about the current prospects for a unified and constructive U.S. strategy in the face of mounting challenges.
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