Points About Current US Foreign Policy In The Middle East

By Alyssa Riggs


Social science places significant emphasis on the study of relations between humans. This includes current US foreign policy in the Middle East which deals with intergovernmental relations. Since governments are operated by humans, relations are between humans in the United States and those in Middle East regional countries.

International relations affect education, international legal issues, defense and a wide range of other political and social relationships. As a result, all government departments have some sort of input into the formulation of the policies. The education department for example would be the lead agency dealing with part exchange student programs. The defense department will have a huge say in overseas military aid.

Public employees, who are specialists, analyst and other relevant personnel work within the various government agencies to assist in the formulation and implementation of foreign relation practices. Personnel working in US embassies abroad and who are in the front line of overseas relations also have significant bearing on how international relations are conducted.

International relations are also influenced by the political party currently in power. Since different political parties have varying views on the world and the US role in it, it goes without saying that foreign relations are affected by the party in power. Some administration for instance may favor a carrot and stick approach. Others may prefer prefer the hammer approach.

International events are rarely very predictable and on many occasions US foreign policy may have to catch up with events on the ground. These events can move with lightning speed making it difficult for policy specialists to keep up. A case in point would be a revolution in a previously friendly country that results in its new political masters becoming hostile overnight. Engagement is always preferable so flexibility in such a situation would be a prudent move. This is relevant because no engagement would mean no influence.

International relations policies also deals with the standards of practice expected from its nationals, businesses and organizations that do business in other countries. For example it is against the law for businesses to bribe other nationalities, entities or outside government officials when trying to get business in those countries. Failure to adhere to these laws results in severe penalties and could include jail time for any citizen caught indulging in such practices.

Allies of the United States are mostly democratic countries. Democracy is a central theme stressed by US state department officials. However, this does not mean the US does not have cordial relations with non democratic countries. It just means that democratically lead countries are viewed in a more favorable light.

Current US foreign policy in the Middle East is complex since it deals with a variety of foreign governments of different political persuasions. All government departments including relevant staff members and outside US agencies including embassy staff assist in the formulation of international relations and laws governing its practices. Current administrations influence how these relationships are carried out and some may favor one type of approach over another. US citizen, organizations and businesses doing business abroad are required to operate within US law. Democratic states may receive preferential treatment from US officials.




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