Implementing U.S. Foreign Policy: A Framework for Applying American Foreign Policy

The following thesis portfolio addresses the overarching research question of “How should U.S. foreign policy be implemented?” To answer this question, the thesis examines three areas of study: (1) how policy is sold, (2) how it should be crafted, and (3) finally, how it could be implemented. Chapter one examines how U.S. presidents sell foreign policy to the American public, focusing on the tool that religion and religious speech play in the process. While a powerful political force, the chapter sought to determine how religion can drive policy. Examining presidential speeches and decisions pertaining to foreign policy in two case studies, the research determined that religion can play a number of roles in any given presidency, and that it can be used to secure political capital for momentous policy initiatives or significant shifts in policy. Chapter two asked “What should be the fundamental/theoretical underpinnings of American foreign policy?” This chapter addressed this question in the hope of learning what core considerations should always be contemplated when devising policy. After analyzing various geopolitical theories, we set out how to describe the utility conservative geopolitical thought brings to current foreign policy issues and why certain hard-truths to include culture, geography and history must always be consulted in formulating policy. Chapter three was dedicated to completing the foreign policy process, exploring the topic of application or implementation. Having explored how policy can be sold and how it should be crafted, it was natural to examine how it would successfully be put into action. Specifically, the research goal in this chapter was to determine the most critical component required to successfully implement U.S. foreign policy and then construct a prospective policy to demonstrate implementation of a policy aimed at preserving a vital national interest. To demonstrate this, a threat analysis was conducted on the possibility of a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) terror attack on the American homeland