470 CHAPTER 15|FOREIGN POLICY
have been undertaken without any consultation with or notice to U.S. allies—not
even the Pakistanis.^2 However, American foreign policy more commonly involves
multilateral action by the United States alongside other countries or interna-
tional organizations such as the United Nations. For example, since early 2008
more than 20 nations, including the United States, have conducted naval patrols
in the Gulf of Aden in an attempt to deter pirate attacks against civilian ship-
ping in that area of the Indian Ocean. As another example, after civil strife broke
out in Syria in 2011, the United States, in cooperation with the United Nations and
several other nations, has sought to force the Syrian government to negotiate with
rebel forces and end the civil war there peacefully.
A second important distinction in foreign policy is between isolationism
and internationalism. Isolationists believe that the United States should avoid
making alliances and agreements with other nations, concentrate on defending
our own borders, and let the people in other countries work out their problems for
themselves. In the case of Syria, an isolationist might argue that U.S. interven-
tion would be futile or potentially counterproductive, too costly, or simply inap-
propriate.^3 An internationalist, however, would likely argue that the United States
should establish many agreements with other nations and intervene in interna-
tional crises whenever it may be able to help, both because of possible economic
and security gains and because intervening in civil wars and helping to solve
humanitarian crises is morally right. In the case of Syria, internationalists would
support U.S. eff orts to help and protect the local population, either in concert with
other nations or alone if other nations are unwilling to intervene.^4
The third major distinction in foreign policy making is between realism and
idealism.^5 Realists believe that countries pursue their own interests, seeking to
increase their economic and military power and their international infl uence. In
approaching a policy decision, a realist would choose the policy that maximizes
U.S. military and economic power relative to that of other states. Idealists, in con-
trast, believe that states’ concerns extend beyond increasing their power, includ-
ing the promotion of principles such as freedom, liberty, or democracy. For anIDEALISTS BELIEVE THAT COUNTRIES’
foreign policy goals extend beyond
increasing their own power and
that countries can work together
to further goals such as freedom
or democracy. Idealists tend to
favor working together through
international organizations like the
United Nations.
multilateral action Foreign
policy carried out by a nation in
coordination with other nations or
international organizations.
isolationism The idea that a
country should refrain from involve-
ment in international affairs.
internationalism The idea that
a country should be involved in the
affairs of other nations, out of both
self-interest and moral obligation.
realism The idea that a country’s
foreign policy decisions are moti-
vated by self-interest and the goal of
gaining more power.
idealism The idea that a country’s
foreign policy decisions are based
on factors beyond self-interest,
including upholding important prin-
ciples or values.