An evaluation of the United State's international policy defines the country's role in the world,
implying the overall character, purpose, and direction of America's participation in international
affairs and the overall relationship with the rest of the world. The role of the U.S. can be defined
as establishing a general context and framework for policymakers to develop, implement, and
measure the success of the U.S. policies and actions on certain international matters and for
foreign countries and other observers for decoding and understand the actions of America on a
global front. After remaining generally stable for over 70 years since the end of World War II,
the U.S. position and role on the worldwide stage has substantially evolved, especially under the
Trump administration. A change in the role of the U.S in the world could imply a profound and
significant effect on the U.S's security, prosperity, and freedom. It would produce a substantial
change in American policy and relationship with allies and other states, defense programs, and
plans, trade and international commerce, human rights, and foreign assistance.
There are contrasting views about the change of the role of the U.S on the global stage,
with some holding it that it has changed and others declining this allusion. From one end,
particularly critics of the past Trump regime argue that during this time, the role of the U.S has
substantially changed with alterations on crucial elements, including trade, politics, military
power, and international aid and policy (Stanzel). Observers point out that the initial construction
of the U.S. emphasized national sovereignty as a primary guidepost for the country’s foreign
Surname 2
policy (Stanzel). However, recent government actions and statements form a new role for
America characterized by greater reliance on unilateralism, isolation on specific international
issues, abdication from global leadership, and a skeptical view on the value of alliances, selective
approaches to promote and defend specific universal values, and implicit tolerance aspects that
might-make correct international order.
On the opposing side, observers, particularly Trump's administration supporters, disagree
on some or all perspectives of the critics. While recognizing the change of U.S foreign policy
lately in several areas compared to previous administrations, observers hold that there has been
reduced change and continuity regarding the role of America in the global front (Poushter). In
support for these claims, proponents cite, among other things, the government's willingness to
impose and sustain sanctions on Russia, the more aggressive policy towards China, support of
Hong Kong's pro-democracy protestors, and criticism of China's human rights position towards
its Muslim Uyghur population, and on great power competition with China and Russia besides
solid support for U.S. alliances.
There is a long-standing debate over the merits of U.S foreign policy that permeates
across different generations. The fact that the U.S has remained generally stable over the past 70
years does not imply that it was the appropriate role for the country, or it would be suitable for
the future (Stanzel). Although the role the U.S has played on the global front, it has many
defenders, and there are also critics. The merits of that role continue to be a matter of debate
among foreign policy experts, strategists, policymakers, and the public, with some opining
potential alternative concepts for the role of the U.S in the world. The most prevalent question is
whether the country should attempt to continue playing an active role internationally that it has
played over the past 70 years or shift to a more restrained and conservative position that reduces
Surname 3
the dominant U.S force engagement in global affairs. Further complications over the future role
of the United States is how to balance or combine the pursuit of narrowly defined material U.S
interests to defend and promote U.S. or universal values, including democracy, human rights,
and freedom.
Surname 4
Works Cited
Poushter, Jacob. "U.S. public, foreign policy experts differ over role in world economy." Pew
Research Center, 2020, www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/10/28/american-public-
foreign-policy-experts-sharply-disagree-over-involvement-in-global-economy/.
Stanzel, Volker. "New realities in foreign affairs: Diplomacy in the 21st century." Stiftung
Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), 2018, www.swp-berlin.org/en/publication/new-
realities-in-foreign-affairs-diplomacy-in-the-21st-century.