Why is U.S. Foreign Policy So Important?| World101

With the world’s most powerful military and its largest economy, the United States maintains a unique position on the world stage. This outsized influence makes its foreign policy particularly important. Decisions made in Washington—especially about peace and security—are bolstered by the United States’ intricate network of alliances and often have far-reaching consequences, affecting people thousands of miles away. Meanwhile, access to the U.S. market and the U.S. dollar can be a boon for countries. U.S. trade restrictions, on the other hand, can be detrimental.

Moreover, this influence, which emerged in earnest following World War II, allowed the United States to develop a rules-based world order led by international institutions like the United Nations and the World Bank. There’s no guarantee that U.S. dominance will endure, but while it does, the United States’ foreign policy decisions will continue to have enormous influence around the globe.

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