The History of American Foreign Policy Foreign policy can be defined simply as the strategy of a government in its relations with other nations. One of the central functions of the U.S. government is to maintain relations with nearly 200 other countries around the world. The foreign policy of the United States aims to achieve certain objectives. It seeks to ensure the security and defense of America. He seeks authority to protect and project U.S. national interests around the world. According to the U.S. State Department's Foreign Policy Agenda, the officially stated goals of U.S. foreign policy today are to "build and maintain a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world for the benefit of the people American and the world. international community. » American foreign policy has changed over time, reflecting its evolving national interest. From the time it became an independent nation until today, our country's many types of foreign policy can be best described when divided into three broad categories, each with smaller subcategories. The three main categories are, in chronological order: isolationism (also called non-interventionism), internationalism (alliances with European and other military partners), and unilateralism (acting on one's own sovereign political decisions). The general trend of progression regarding the evolution and history of American foreign policy since the American Revolution is the shift from non-interventionism before and after World War I to its growth as a world power and global hegemon (i.e. that is, imperial domination achieved through the use of implicit means of power) during and since the World War. World War II and the end of the Cold War in the 20th century. Our nation's first foreign policy was one...... middle of paper ...... President Woodrow Wilson promoted the treaties establishing the League of Nations after World War I, but the Senate failed opposed the League and refused to ratify the treaties. Other times, tensions have arisen between Congress's power to declare war and the president's role as commander in chief. Presidents have committed U.S. armed forces to major conflicts such as the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars without a congressional declaration of war. The public also plays a role in influencing foreign policy. Advocacy groups in foreign countries often attempt to influence Congress and the president on certain issues. Business associations lobby the government on international economic and trade issues. Groups and individuals with strong opinions on certain foreign policy issues, particularly military intervention, often organize protests or other political actions to influence decisions..