Foreign opinion influence on US foreign policy

Abstract

This study examines the relationship that exists between foreign opinion and American foreign policy. The main aim of the American foreign policy is to enable it to influence others rather than to be influenced. However, this subject has not received much attention by American policy makers and academics. Nonetheless, the 9/11 events showed how negative opinion can harm American security and consequently its foreign policy. This study which looks in detail at three predominantly Muslim states - Turkey, Jordan and Pakistan – analyses how the opinion of both the influential foreign elite and the common public may lead to changes in the American foreign policy. Through the use of polls carried out regularly by Pew Research Centre to measure opinion, and a number of primary and secondary sources which will shed light on changes in American foreign policy, this study finds out that in the short run the elite’s opinion is the most influential factor in US policies. Moreover, foreign public opinion will be influential when controversial issues result in violent anti-Americanism. In such a case American subjects and interests would be at risk as American credibility will be lost. Furthermore this study will delve into how Americans have made use of soft power so as to make their country’s image, values and policies more attractive to foreign audiences, while generating support from leaders and the rest of people.