The foreign policy of a country involves the actions and choices of that country’s government in regard to its relations with other countries. It can be a matter of active engagement with the international community (engagement) or pulling up the drawbridge and protecting domestic interests and values from outside influence (isolationism). Foreign policy can be divided into two broad categories: hard and soft. Hard foreign policy uses coercive action, such as military intervention and economic sanctions, to achieve political goals and advance one’s interests in the world community. Soft foreign policy uses attraction and persuasion to achieve the same goals, including diplomatic dialogue, cultural exchange, and humanitarian assistance.
Americans continue to prioritize limiting the power of Russia and China as top foreign policy priorities, though they have lessened their emphasis on the importance of supporting Israel, addressing illegal drugs, preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and maintaining the U.S. military advantage over other nations – all of which were more highly prioritized in 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Americans also have become more likely to say that they should put a greater emphasis on dealing with global climate change, reducing foreign military commitments, and promoting and defending human rights abroad.
Regardless of how they are classified, all foreign policies share a common goal of trying to shape and influence the world in order to advance their own country’s interests. While there is debate about how extensively a country should involve itself in international affairs, all foreign policy strategies seek to influence and affect other countries, whether through engagement or isolation.
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