Congress and the making of US foreign policy

Abstract

One American myth of the 1990s is that, in the 'good old days', Congress deferred to the Executive branch on foreign policy. Since the Cold War, the myth continues, an unusually troublesome Congress has obstructed the conduct of foreign relations. Yet tension between the Executive and Congress over foreign policy is neither new, nor a unique product of the end of the Cold War. Under the US Constitution, and based on experience, the two branches of government must develop US policy by sharing powers and resolving their 'creative tension'. It is important to undertake this challenging task in order to build a sustainable and effective foreign policy. Trade policy and the use of force are two critical areas where the experience and evolution in Congressional processes are most evident and where, with vision, consultation and an openness to debate, the present generation of political leaders can strive to meet national aspirations.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

R. Zoellick

Resident Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, and a Research Scholar at Harvard University.