Whether it’s through diplomatic engagement, foreign aid, or military intervention, a nation’s foreign policy reflects the goals and interests of its government. It is a vital part of national security, as it protects a country’s citizens from threats outside its borders and prevents power vacuums from developing in regions that would necessitate a stronger and more difficult response down the line.
A well-defined foreign policy also has an impact on a nation’s economic interests by allowing for the creation of alliances that facilitate improved trade, increased investment in infrastructure development, and even nuclear cooperation. However, the greatest influence that a country’s foreign policy can have is its ability to shape international institutions and policies. While superpowers wield enormous clout, even middle powers can exert moderate influence through their participation in global organizations and regional bodies like NATO, the Organization of American States, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.
Millennials have the unique opportunity to benefit from America’s active involvement in international affairs, as they are more likely than previous generations to have studied abroad or to have interacted with people from across the globe. Yet poll after poll shows that they lack appreciation for the value of American engagement in the international security sphere, judging it to be lower than such domestic priorities as improving education, reducing the deficit, and addressing racial and economic injustices. Millennials need to hear, in clear and accessible terms, just how much America’s leadership role matters to them and the world around them.