Date of Graduation

Summer 2024

Degree

Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies

Department

School of Defense & Strategic Studies

Committee Chair

John Rose

Abstract

In recent years, traditional American foreign policy norms have been rocked by dissent and challenges to the status quo. The rise of American populism, the 2016 election, and the admiration of ‘America First’ policies have contributed to the shift of modern American internationalism and statecraft to a retreat towards isolationism and a wariness to theinternational order. More so, questions regarding the United States’ role in NATO, approach to Ukrainian aid, and the ever-evolving Israel-Hamas War have all but exacerbated the issue of the American approach to foreign policy. Members of Congress, both from the left and the right, are deeply divided on America’s place in the world. The questions remain - Where does America belong in the international space, how should the United States approach foreign policy, and what does the world look like if America is not at the forefront as the liberal superpower? With U.S. adversaries on the rise and becoming increasingly more aggressive, the United States must come to a consensus on its foreign policy principles. A 2024 Presidential Election is fast approaching, and a divergent view of American foreign policy is on full display between the sitting President and the leading candidate of the opposition party. This thesis attempts to examine America’s historical foreign policy roots, evaluate three specific competing ideological differences, and ultimately, identify key recommendations of the United States’ approach towards foreign policy.

Keywords

foreign policy, retrenchment, isolationism, China, Russia, Middle East

Subject Categories

Defense and Security Studies

Copyright

© Chance Lee Hepola

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Open Access

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