History of American Foreign Policy Foreign policy can be defined simply as a government's strategy in dealing with other nations. A central function of the United States government is to maintain relationships with nearly 200 other nations around the world. United States foreign policy is designed to advance certain goals. It seeks to ensure America's security and defense. He seeks the power to protect and project America's national interests around the world. According to the U.S. Department of State's Foreign Policy Agenda, the officially stated goals of U.S. foreign policy today are “to build and sustain a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and international community.”Foreign Policy of America has changed over time reflecting its changing national interest From the time it became an independent nation to the present, our nation's different types of foreign policy can best be described when divided into three broad categories, each with subcategories. smaller within them. The three main categories are, in chronological order: isolationism (also called non-interventionism), internationalism (alliances with European and other military partners) and unilateralism (operating according to one's own sovereign political decisions and history). of US foreign policy since the American Revolution is the transition from non-interventionism before and after the First World War, to its growth as a world power and global hegemony (i.e. imperial domination achieved through the use of implicit means of power ) during and after the First World War. World War II and the end of the Cold War in the 20th century. Our nation's first foreign policy was a... middle of paper... President Woodrow Wilson promoted the treaties establishing the League of Nations after World War I. , but the Senate opposed the League and refused to ratify the treaties. At other times, tensions have arisen between Congress's power to declare war and the president's role as commander in chief. Presidents have committed the American military to major conflicts such as the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars without a declaration of war by Congress. The public also plays a role in influencing foreign policy. Advocacy groups from foreign countries often try to influence Congress and the president on issues. Business associations lobby the government on international economic and trade issues. Groups and individuals with strong opinions on some foreign policy issues, especially military intervention, often organize protests or other political actions to influence decisions..