Reshaping Our Foreign Policy

Abstract

A fundamental alteration has taken place in the context in which United States foreign policy will operate in the years ahead. The dissolution of the rigid confrontation with the Soviet Union, the advent of major new powers on the world stage, and the growing shift in focus from military concerns to political ones are the chief characteristics of this coming era. If we look into the future we may find that the significant concept is transnationalism, not internationalism. The traditional state system is being submerged under the proliferation of institutional and personal contacts. Our new perspectives have also cast into still sharper relief grave issues that continue to threaten us, foremost among which is the danger of nuclear holocaust. But ancient habits of mind and policy continue to shape certain aspects of our policy. Thus, the "worst-case planning" disposition of some military strate gists may lead to a distorted view of international political reality and to a neglect of measures to promote international coöperation and stability. Another major need is increased foreign economic assistance to raise living standards and productivity in the less developed countries. The United States should consider the proposal to raise the level of its foreign aid assistance to one percent of the Gross National Product, in accordance with the United Nations General Assembly 25th Anniversary resolution.