1: Foreign Policy
Learning Targets
I can describe the components of foreign policy, including national interests, and how interests would affect how a country would (re)act to a situation
I can identify tools of foreign policy and sort tools to achieve foreign policy goals and national interests
I can conclude how foreign policy is made and which topics need to be addressed for changes to be effective
Foreign policy is like human relations, only people know less about each other.
Joe Biden
“The question shouldn't be what we ought to do, but what we can do.”
Rory Stewart
Here is my first principle of foreign policy: good government at home.
William E. Gladstone
National Interest
ISN 1: National Interest to National Power will show you how complex it is to develop foreign policy and that national interests are based on three specific areas. We will explore what is included in security interests then how economic interests vary from developing to developed countries before ending with ideological interests, what a country believes in and is willing to work together to achieve. This is also when we define "power" and look at the differences between economic and military power. Determining the importance of geography regarding foreign policy (geopolitics) and how national resolve plays a role will round out this section.
Next you will explore how foreign policy is made in the US by completing the ISN 2: Confirming to Extending. How do the powers of the President compare to what Congress is able to do? What and who is involved in the decision-making process for the President and Congress? What are other players in developing foreign policy? We will answer these questions by seeing what you know and then what truly happens.
Tools of Foreign Policy
When a country wants to achieve their economic, security or ideological interests they will use certain foreign policy tools. We will look at which tools "match" each type of interest.
Some tools are "carrots" and are used to strengthen an alliance while others are "sticks" and are used as a punishment. We will then determine how a country would use each tool depending on situations.
Diplomacy
Diplomatic recognition; recalling and expelling diplomats
Cultural and scientific exchanges
Negotiations and treaties
Summits
Trade relations
Establishing trade relations; restrictions on trade; trade agreements
Alliances
International and regional organizations
Boycotts and sanctions
Propaganda
Military force
Show of strength; terrorism; limited military force; war
U3 Foreign Policy RUBRICFormative Assessment for Foreign Policy
Thesis: The most important thing to know about foreign policy is__________because________________________________
______________________________________________.
THEN choose which formative option reflects your thesis. Use the rubric to stay on track.
The FINAL project should be on your U3 website.
What type of formative do you want to complete?
Top 5 List → Which are the top five most important foreign policy tools and why? Be specific in your explanation to show you understand the tool.
Make a list with the THREE most common foreign policy tools you think are used the most often and explain why you made that decision.
Write a letter to President Trump or Congress about a national interest issue (security interest, economic interest, ideological interest) and explain which tool(s) would be helpful to in order to achieve a specific goal.
Create a political cartoon that depicts a foreign policy tool, a national interest, or a current event situation. Describe the cartoon's message (connected to foreign policy tool(s), national interest or current event) and put the cartoon on your website.
Find 2-3 cartoons that reflect what we have learned about this unit. Next to each cartoon include your interpretation of the cartoon, how it fits the unit, and one of the strategies the artist used in the cartoon (irony, exaggeration, etc).
Create word art that reflects the most important ideas you learned so far this unit. Make a connection to your thesis.