Status of Forces Agreements: Tools to Further Effective Foreign Policy and Lessons To Be Learned from the United States-Japan Agreement

In order to maintain political legitimacy and positive foreign relations, it is imperative that the United States considers the profound implications of its military policy-making. The United States must fashion SOFAs(an agreement entered into between nations that delineates the legal rights and responsibilities of military forces stationed on foreign soil. ) that reach beyond its own national interests and equitably address the needs and concerns of the receiving nation. By taking this approach, the United States will do much to garner future international support