Determinants of U.S. Foreign Policy Between Values and Interests

A Study in Post-Cold War Transformations

Abstract

The international changes witnessed by the global system after the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union prompted decision-makers in the United States of America to reassess and reorganize their national interests and priorities. Despite the diverse viewpoints and ideas proposed in this regard, there is consensus on the necessity of advancing and reinforcing the role and position of the United States in the world. Additionally, the United States has been able to leverage both the United Nations Security Council and financial organizations to serve its strategic interests. The significance of this study arises from several considerations, most notably the widespread debate surrounding U.S. foreign policy in terms of its determinants, the means it uses to achieve its objectives, and its dominance in international relations since the end of the Cold War. The study aims to identify the features of U.S. foreign policy by clarifying the internal and external factors that shape its course, as well as the goals and interests that the United States seeks to achieve. It also addresses the key tools and methods it employs to reach these goals. The study’s main problem revolves around the features of U.S. foreign policy, focusing on the nature of the variables that govern the framework of U.S. foreign policy-making. The study concluded that U.S. foreign policy in the post-Cold War period differs significantly from that of the preceding era. This is attributed to several factors, most notably the transformations in international relations, such as the emergence of new actors on the international and regional stage, the rise of terrorism, and increasing global interdependence.