Which, if any of the 4ps : power, principle, peace and prosperity - is most important for american foreign policy and why

Which, if any of the 4Ps – Power, Principle, Peace and Prosperity – is most important for American foreign policy and why? Foreign Policy is viewed as the backbone of any nation because it may bring either pride or defame. For instance, the stronger, unbiased, comprehensive and balanced foreign may lead to prosperity and prestige whereas the weaker, unclear and vague foreign policy may lead to adverse consequences such as societal unrest, economic instability and political uncertainty. This is needless to mention that United States is the largest economy and military power across the globe, also known as the Super Power. However, the foreign affairs and international relations experts are doubtful about the future of USA as they have started debating the rise of great China and its possible emergence as the future Super Power. It is worthwhile to highlight the fact that nations worldwide largely depend upon USA for trade and commerce because of its economic strength. Indeed, USA is the largest consuming nation (oil, textiles, minerals, machinery etc.); therefore, all nations have inclination to strengthen their ties and relationships with United States as any uncertainty across US send shock waves across the globe. For instance, US currency is also used as the mode of payments in international markets, which also not only enhances its economic power but also the dependence of other countries worldwide. In the light of above mentioned facts and ground realities, I would like to argue that the government authorities of United States are also inclined to enhance their ties with external world (including North American, Asian, European, Australian and African nations) so that they could ensure peace worldwide. In simple words, I would be focusing on two main terminologies – Internal and External Peace – that are actually most important for America’s growth and well-being because they influence the formulation and implementation of U. S. foreign policy. Internal Peace, in this context, refers to peace and harmony within America as this leads to greater welfare, development and well-being of the society. Indeed, the grappling with the adversaries, rebellions and terrorists that could possibly harm U. S. interests and underlying agenda within and outside USA is nothing but the attempt of assuring peace and security within USA. For instance, the major focus of policy – makers is to eradicate such internal and external groups that would directly impact national interests of USA as well as create a sense of insecurity among US citizens. For this purpose, USA has been fighting with militants (groups and individuals) that challenge U. S. supremacy and sovereignty by threatening explicitly about their nefarious desires and evil intentions. This is exactly the case of Afghanistan, Iraq, Cuba and North Korea that openly challenge US government and blame it for plotting gruesome ventures outside America (Perl, 2003). It should also be pointed out that the US forces, on instructions of government, have been fighting Al-Qaeda militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan so that it could either completely eradicate extremists groups / individuals or, at least could destroy their organized networks. However, so far, USA is failed to control in entirety Al-Qaeda and Taliban in Iraq and Afghanistan respectively, yet the forces have had some success against these grisly militant networks / outfits according to various independent sources. The law and order situation has also been aggravated in aforementioned nations. Hence, USA is today more inclined to end these wars by handing over the control to well-trained local forces so that it could facilitate peace-making in these two war-hit nations. As far as the external peace efforts are concerned, USA is not in a state of war with Iran and North Korea; however, it has raised the issue of nefarious designs of these mentioned nations regarding access to nuclear weapons either through production or smuggling from Pakistan. In this way, USA has taken initiatives in the form of sanctions to prevent horizontal proliferation that could bring this world at the verge of collapse. Also, USA has reached consensus with Russia to destroy excessive nuclear and some mass destruction weapons in order to reduce the probability of arms race. For instance, USA has been opting towards promotion of peace and security in Palestine and Israel because the issue indulges other Middle Eastern nations as well. Indeed, USA does not want remake of wars of 1967 and 1973 in the region; hence, it has been playing its role for negotiations and consequently a consensus for permanent resolution of this grave issue, also known as a bone of contention in Middle East (The White House, 2010). References The White House (2010). Foreign Policy. White House [Online] Available at http://www. whitehouse. gov/issues/foreign-policy Perl, Raphael (2003). Terrorism, the Future, and U. S. Foreign Policy. Issue Brief for Congress [Online] Available at http://www. fas. org/irp/crs/IB95112. pdf