America First

Definition

America First is a foreign policy stance that prioritizes American interests and national sovereignty over international cooperation and agreements. This approach often emphasizes protectionist trade policies, skepticism of multilateral alliances, and a focus on domestic economic growth. By putting America’s needs first, the policy seeks to reduce dependency on foreign nations and enhance national security through an assertive and sometimes isolationist foreign policy framework.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The America First policy gained prominence during the 2016 presidential election, influencing trade negotiations and immigration policies.
2. It reflects a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy towards unilateralism, moving away from prior commitments to multilateralism.
3. Under this policy, the U.S. has engaged in several high-profile trade disputes, notably with China, leading to the imposition of tariffs on billions of dollars' worth of goods.
4. The America First approach often resonates with voters who feel marginalized by globalization and seek to protect American jobs and industries.
5. Critics argue that America First can lead to strained relationships with allies and may undermine international cooperation on global issues such as climate change.

Review Questions

• How does the America First policy shape the United States' approach to international relations?
  • The America First policy shapes the United States' approach by prioritizing national interests above global cooperation. This means that international agreements are often scrutinized for their benefits to the U.S., leading to a more transactional view of diplomacy. As a result, alliances may be weakened as the U.S. becomes more focused on its own goals rather than collaborative efforts with other nations.
• Evaluate the impact of the America First policy on U.S. trade relations with major global economies.
  • The impact of the America First policy on U.S. trade relations has been significant, resulting in heightened tensions with major economies like China and the European Union. Trade wars have emerged, characterized by the imposition of tariffs which affect both imports and exports. This has led to retaliatory measures from other countries, creating economic uncertainty and affecting global supply chains.
• Assess the long-term implications of adopting an America First foreign policy for U.S. global standing and its role in international institutions.
  • Adopting an America First foreign policy could have profound long-term implications for U.S. global standing and its role in international institutions. While it may bolster short-term domestic support by protecting American jobs and industries, it risks alienating allies and diminishing U.S. influence in multilateral organizations. Over time, this could lead to a power vacuum where rival nations gain greater influence, potentially destabilizing existing international order and prompting a shift towards more isolationist practices.

Related terms

Protectionism:

Economic policy that restricts imports from other countries through tariffs and quotas to protect domestic industries.

Trade War: An economic conflict arising when countries impose tariffs or other trade barriers on each other, often in retaliation for perceived unfair trade practices.

Nationalism: A political ideology that emphasizes the interests of a particular nation, often prioritizing its culture, economy, and political sovereignty over international considerations.