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For well over a century, public policy research institutes, or think tanks as they are more commonly known, have played an important role in shaping the discourse around foreign policy issues. These organizations provide analysis, research, and recommendations to policymakers and the public on a wide range of international topics. From trade agreements to conflict resolution, think tanks play a crucial role in informing and influencing decision-making at all levels of government.
Divisions over key foreign policy issues, from the war in Ukraine to Gaza, could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. Interest groups, representing a diverse array of perspectives and priorities, are actively engaged in advocating for their preferred policies on these issues. Whether it's advocating for human rights, promoting trade agreements, or pushing for military intervention, interest groups play a crucial role in shaping the foreign policy agenda.
President Joe Biden will deliver his third State of the Union address on March 7. Ahead of the speech, Americans are focused on the health of the economy, the ongoing pandemic, and the state of international relations. Interest groups are working to ensure that their priorities are reflected in the President's address, whether it's advocating for a more aggressive approach to Russia or pushing for a diplomatic solution to conflicts in the Middle East.
Editor's note: This article is adapted from a paper presented at the workshop Bridging Restraint and Positive Engagement: Toward a New Foreign Policy Paradigm. The workshop brought together experts from academia, government, and the private sector to discuss new approaches to foreign policy and the role of interest groups in shaping the debate.
Washington, DC – Prominent progressive organizations in the United States are joining together to push back against the political and economic policies of the current administration. These groups are advocating for a more multilateral approach to foreign policy, increased funding for international development programs, and a renewed commitment to human rights around the world.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good morning. My fellow Americans, five weeks ago I was sworn in as your Secretary of State. My job is to represent the interests and values of the United States on the world stage. Interest groups play a crucial role in shaping the policies and priorities of the State Department, from advocating for increased funding for diplomacy to pushing for a more assertive stance on human rights abuses.
For many policymakers, economic sanctions have become the tool of choice to respond to major geopolitical challenges such as terrorism and nuclear proliferation. Interest groups play a crucial role in advocating for targeted sanctions, promoting dialogue and engagement as alternatives to military action, and pushing for greater transparency and accountability in the use of sanctions as a foreign policy tool.
Let's try a little experiment. Ask fifty current or former U.S. diplomats or foreign policy academic types (especially realists) whether they believe that interest groups have a positive or negative impact on U.S. foreign policy. Chances are, you'll get fifty different answers. Some will argue that interest groups provide valuable expertise and advocacy on complex international issues, while others will contend that they promote narrow interests at the expense of broader strategic goals.
Both Millennials and Gen Z are more hesitant than their elders to endorse military approaches to foreign policy. Interest groups representing these younger generations are advocating for a more diplomatic and multilateral approach to international relations, pushing for increased funding for development assistance, and promoting a greater emphasis on human rights and environmental protection in U.S. foreign policy decisions.
