America's Diplomatic Timeline: A Historical Overview

The United States of America has a long and complex history of diplomacy, with the country maintaining diplomatic relations with approximately 180 countries and numerous international organisations. The US has often employed diplomacy to further its interests and protect its citizens, with a focus on national security, economic prosperity, and the spread of democracy. For instance, in 1903, Theodore Roosevelt's Big Stick diplomacy saw the US assist Panama's independence movement from Colombia, protecting American interests during the Panamanian revolution. In recent years, the US has faced criticism for its foreign policy decisions, including backing right-wing dictatorships and facilitating state terrorism during the Cold War. Despite this, the US continues to play a significant role in global affairs, with President Biden driving transformational partnerships and alliances to address modern challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and democratic backsliding.

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The US has diplomatic relations with about 180 countries

The United States of America has diplomatic relations with about 180 countries worldwide. The history of American diplomacy can be traced back to Benjamin Franklin, the country's first diplomat, who helped the original 13 colonies forge official ties with France in 1778 during the Revolutionary War.

The Netherlands, Spain, Britain, and Russia were also among the earliest nations to establish formal diplomatic alliances with the US in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The US also has a long history of international agreements and treaties with other countries, governed by the Treaty Clause of the US Constitution, which dictates that the president negotiates and signs treaties.

Over time, the US has shifted from a stance of non-interventionism before and after World War I to becoming a global hegemon during World War II and the Cold War. This shift in foreign policy has been marked by events such as the Alaskan boundary dispute with Canada, resolved in favour of the US through the Alaska Boundary Treaty in 1903, and the Texas annexation, which led to the Mexican-American War in 1846 and subsequent expansion of US territory.

Today, the officially stated goals of US foreign policy include building and sustaining "a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community." The US has many important allies, particularly in the Greater Middle East, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Jordan, Israel, Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. It also has strong economic and geostrategic ties with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), signing the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 2009 to promote regional peace and stability.

However, the US has had strained or severed relations with some nations, including Iran since 1980, North Korea, and Bhutan. Relations with Cuba were also tense, leading to a cut in diplomatic ties in 1961, but the two countries restored formal relations and reopened embassies in 2015.

Treaties are governed by the Treaty Clause of the US Constitution

Treaties are a vital aspect of US foreign policy, and they are governed by the Treaty Clause of the US Constitution. The Treaty Clause, influenced by the limitations of the Articles of Confederation, grants the power to make treaties to the national government. This clause vests the President with the authority to negotiate and sign treaties with other countries or political entities, acting with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Senate's role is limited to approving or disapproving of a treaty, and it has no power to amend or modify the terms.

The Treaty Clause ensures that treaties made by the US are binding and become part of international law. These treaties are also considered the supreme law of the land, taking precedence over state laws. The US Supreme Court has consistently recognized the legally binding nature of treaties, as seen in cases such as Ware v. Hylton in 1796.

While treaties are an essential tool in US diplomacy, they are relatively rare in modern US foreign policy. From 1946 to 1999, only 6% of international agreements made by the US were treaties. This rarity is partly due to the availability of alternatives, such as congressional-executive agreements and executive agreements, which are legally distinct under US law but indistinguishable from treaties under international law.

The process of treaty-making by the President has evolved since the George Washington administration, with the President generally not seeking the Senate's participation in all stages. The President may also terminate a treaty unilaterally if permitted by its terms, as seen in the case of President George W. Bush's withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 2002.

In summary, the Treaty Clause of the US Constitution provides the legal framework for the US to enter into binding agreements with other nations, shaping its foreign policy and international relations.

US foreign policy includes fighting international terrorism

The United States has a long history of diplomacy, with the country maintaining diplomatic relations with approximately 180 countries and many international organisations. The US has used diplomacy to advance its interests and protect its citizens, both at home and abroad. For instance, in 1903, Theodore Roosevelt's "Big Stick diplomacy" policy saw US forces stationed in Panama to protect American interests and lives during and after the Panamanian revolution. In 1906, Roosevelt mediated the First Moroccan Crisis between France and Germany, and in 1908-09, the US negotiated arbitration treaties with 25 countries.

US foreign policy has increasingly focused on fighting international terrorism, which poses a significant threat to the country's security and interests. International cooperation and diplomacy are key tools in this fight. The US State Department works with foreign governments to build capabilities to prevent, detect, and respond to terrorist threats. This includes strengthening law enforcement and judicial systems, improving border security, and expanding information sharing. The State Department also collaborates with other US departments, including Defense, Homeland Security, and Justice, to coordinate counterterrorism strategies.

The US has been actively involved in counterterrorism efforts through its participation in organisations like NATO. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, NATO allies joined forces to ensure Afghanistan did not become a safe haven for terrorists to launch attacks on NATO member countries. NATO has also implemented policies to facilitate information sharing and improve battlefield intelligence to counter the threat of foreign terrorist fighters.

Additionally, the US has employed various tools to combat international terrorism, including diplomacy, international cooperation, economic sanctions, and military force. The Donald Trump administration, for instance, prioritised combating terrorism, especially from radical Islam, and emphasised the use of military action over diplomacy. The US has also worked with international organisations like the United Nations, INTERPOL, and the European Union to address terrorism and promote stability.

In conclusion, fighting international terrorism is a critical component of US foreign policy. The US has utilised diplomacy, international cooperation, and a range of tools to counter this threat and protect its citizens and interests worldwide. By working with foreign governments and international organisations, the US strives to prevent and respond to terrorist activities effectively.

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The US uses diplomacy to prevent local conflicts from becoming wider wars

The United States has a long history of diplomatic relations with other countries, and it maintains diplomatic ties with about 180 countries. Diplomacy is one of the best ways to protect the United States and its citizens. The US State Department has outlined a strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability worldwide. This strategy involves strengthening fragile states and empowering reform-minded governments, people, and civil societies. The US also works to promote mutual understanding between Americans and people from other countries, which helps advance US national interests.

The US has used diplomacy to prevent local conflicts from becoming wider wars in several instances. For example, in 1903, Theodore Roosevelt referred to US policy as "speaking softly and carrying a big stick," which was applied when the US assisted Panama's independence movement from Colombia. US forces were stationed in Panama from 1903 to 1914 to protect American interests during and after the Panamanian revolution. In 1906, Roosevelt mediated the First Moroccan Crisis between France and Germany, essentially in French favor. In 1908–09, the US negotiated arbitration treaties with 25 countries.

Additionally, the US State Department uses diplomacy in all regions of the world to maintain regional stability and prevent local conflicts from escalating. They work with other countries and international organizations to promote stability and economic prosperity. For example, in the Middle East, the US promotes and supports the development of democracy in Iraq and works with Israel, Egypt, other Middle Eastern countries, and the Palestinians to find a peaceful solution to their conflicts. In the Western Hemisphere, the US joins with other countries to confront terrorism and illegal drug trafficking while promoting democratic institutions. In Africa, the US supports democratization, rule of law, and economic development, as well as encouraging regional leadership for conflict resolution.

The US also provides assistance to countries recovering from conflict or authoritarian regimes to help reform their police, corrections, and judicial systems, creating the stability necessary for economic prosperity and strong democratic institutions. They also work to protect human rights, improve health, education, economic and environmental conditions, and strengthen oversight and accountability in the security and justice sectors.

The US has used diplomacy to secure recognition of American independence

The United States' Declaration of Independence in 1776 was a significant step towards securing recognition of American independence through diplomacy. The Declaration, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, severed political connections between the 13 American colonies and Great Britain, allowing the colonies to pursue foreign alliances and assert their "international legal sovereignty".

In the lead-up to the Declaration, colonial leaders had hoped for reconciliation with Great Britain, but repeated protests and boycotts of British goods failed to influence British policies. The closing of the port of Boston and the declaration of martial law in Massachusetts further strained relations. As a result, the colonial governments sent delegates to the Continental Congress to coordinate resistance and discuss the possibility of foreign alliances.

The Continental Congress played a crucial role in American diplomacy by establishing the Secret Committee of Correspondence, later known as the Committee for Foreign Affairs, to publicize the American cause in Europe and garner international support. Benjamin Franklin, a member of this committee, was particularly influential in fostering relations with France. Through his connections and popularity in France, Franklin helped secure clandestine assistance and loans from the French government, which was eager to take advantage of British troubles with its colonies.

The Treaty of Alliance and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, signed by France and the United States on February 6, 1778, marked a significant diplomatic success for the American colonies. This critical link with France provided much-needed aid and strengthened the American position in their struggle for independence.

Additionally, the United States also sought recognition and support from other nations. In 1782, John Adams successfully negotiated loans from Dutch bankers and gained recognition of American independence from the United Netherlands, followed by the signing of a treaty of commerce and friendship. The Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship, signed in 1786, further demonstrated the United States' diplomatic efforts to secure recognition and establish international relations.

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