When we think of U.S. foreign policy, the first person that comes to mind is usually the president. As the nation’s chief executive and chief foreign policy architect, the president plays a crucial role in shaping our international relations. However, it’s important to remember that the president is not the only one calling the shots. In fact, there are limits to what a president can do and a complex system of checks and balances in place.
One of the most significant limits to a president’s power is the requirement for Congressional approval for certain actions. For example, while a president can deploy the military around the world, they cannot declare war without Congressional support. Similarly, they can enter into executive agreements with other countries but not treaties, which also require Senate approval. This ensures that the decision-making process is not solely in the hands of one individual, but rather involves input from various branches of government.
This was evident during the first term of former President Donald Trump, who was able to pull out of the Paris Agreement on climate change and a nuclear deal with Iran, but was unable to fulfill his campaign promise of ending “endless wars” in the Middle East and reining in North Korea’s nuclear program. Similarly, President Joe Biden’s administration rejoined the Paris Agreement and pulled troops out of Afghanistan, but has not yet succeeded in reviving the Iran nuclear deal.
According to David McKean, former director of policy planning for the State Department, there are limits to what a president can do because of the number of actors and checks and balances involved in the decision-making process. This includes not only the president and their close advisors, but also key executive branch departments and agencies, Congress, and a variety of other actors such as interest groups, corporations, and foreign governments.
Historically, foreign policy was primarily the president’s domain with some input from Congress. However, as the U.S. grew in power in the 20th century, so did its foreign policymaking apparatus. Today, the foreign policy machinery is enormous, with billions of dollars and thousands of people involved in military, political, and economic efforts. This highlights the importance of having a strong and effective system of governance to ensure that decisions are made with careful consideration and input from various perspectives.
At the center of this machinery is the National Security Council (NSC), which was established in 1947 and has since expanded in size and scope. The president, vice president, secretaries of state and defense, and other top officials make up the inner circle of the NSC. This group is responsible for advising the president on foreign policy matters and responding to immediate crises. McKean notes that the influence of the national security adviser can vary from administration to administration, but they often have the ear of the president while the secretary of state is frequently traveling.
In times of crisis, such as the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the NSC plays a crucial role in helping the president make informed decisions. Emergency “principals meetings” are called by the national security adviser, while the NSC staff put together various options for consideration. This allows for swift and efficient decision-making during urgent situations.
Apart from the president and the executive branch, Congress also plays a significant role in shaping foreign policy. As a co-equal branch of government, Congress has the power to provide oversight on policy decisions and pass legislation that can influence foreign policy. One of the most important ways in which Congress can impact foreign policy is through its control of the budget. This means that they have the ability to influence how much money is spent on foreign aid, military operations, and other international initiatives.
Aside from the government, there are also various outside actors that can influence U.S. foreign policy. This includes corporations, interest groups, think tanks, foreign governments, the media, and the public. As the foreign policy machinery has grown over the years, so too has the influence of these external actors. For example, multinational corporations often play a big role in trade and therefore have an impact on foreign policy decisions.
Foreign allies can also influence U.S. foreign policy, though this can vary depending on the issue and administration. As former President Bill Clinton experienced in the 1990s, a foreign leader can sometimes persuade a reluctant U.S. president to intervene in a certain situation.
With so many actors involved in the U.S. foreign policymaking process, it can often seem complex and confusing. However, this system of checks and balances ensures that decisions
