Центра американских исследований. Работа №67195

THE US FOREIGN POLICY DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

Jumaniyazova Shaxzoda Kadamovna

Research Fellow

Institute for Advanced international studies

University of world economy and diplomacy

Uzbekistan, Tashkent

Abstract: The US foreign policy decision-making process is multifaceted and complex, involving the interaction of various state and non-state structures. The success or failure of a foreign policy strategy, the amount of resources spent, and much more depend on the decisions made. Each foreign policy decision has its own specifics depending on the sphere and region, but there is also a general scheme, an algorithm that is universal, although it changes depending on the circumstances. It must be borne in mind that in political decisions objective historical conditions are refracted through the experience, knowledge, ideological and value orientations of specific individuals. Therefore, decision-making analysis allows us to understand how and by whom the policy of a particular state is formed. By identifying common and special features of decision-making systems in various situations, they can be compared according to their functions, effectiveness and influence. When studying the decision-making mechanism, one should take into account its multidimensionality and complexity, which do not allow the whole matter to be reduced to a rational, predictable model. This consideration, of course, does not negate the importance of various applied methods that make it possible to formalize the object of research.

Keywords: U.S. foreign policy, decision-making process, policy implementation, National Security Council (NSC).

The foreign policy decision-making process in the United States is a complex and multi-level system involving many departments, organizations, and influencing factors. The main purpose of this system is to ensure the country's national interests, maintain international stability and promote American values ​​on the world stage. The most important element of this process is strategic planning, on which most management decisions are based. Foreign policy decisions are made based on an analysis of current circumstances, forecasts for the development of the situation and taking into account the historical context.

The process begins with identifying and analyzing problems, threats or opportunities that require attention. These problems can be either internal or external, such as economic sanctions, terrorist threats or climate change. Special analysis teams and research centers such as the National Security Council (NSC), the State Department, and other federal agencies play a key role in this phase, collecting and analyzing information to provide a comprehensive view of the situation. After identifying the problem, the stage of developing solution options begins. At this stage, a thorough examination of possible actions, their potential consequences and the required resources is carried out. Here, interdepartmental commissions and advisory groups play an important role, which include representatives of various government agencies, as well as independent experts and analysts. One example is the situation around the war in Afghanistan, where various strategies were considered, from a complete withdrawal of troops to a continued military presence with a change in tactics.

Once the solution options are formulated, the consultation and approval phase begin. At this stage, the executive and legislative branches of government actively interact. The President, his advisors, and key ministers consult with Congress to discuss proposed measures, their funding, and political support. It is important to note that Congress plays a significant role, especially in matters related to the ratification of international treaties, the allocation of budgetary funds and the appointment of high-ranking officials. For example, in the case of the Iran nuclear deal, Congress was actively involved in discussing and approving the terms of the deal. Once consultations are completed and agreement is reached, the decision-making phase begins. The President, as the chief executive body, makes the final decision based on the recommendations received and agreed upon positions. An example is the decision to launch a military operation against terrorist groups after the events of September 11, 2001, which was made by President George W. Bush with the support of the NSC and Congress1.

The final stage is the implementation of the decision made and monitoring its implementation. It is important here to ensure coordination between various departments and constant monitoring of the progress of policy implementation. Special commissions and working groups regularly assess the effectiveness of the measures taken and, if necessary, make adjustments. For example, during the operation to kill Osama bin Laden in 2011, regular reporting and coordination between the CIA, Pentagon, and NSC played a key role in the successful completion of the mission2. Thus, the foreign policy decision-making process in the United States ensures flexibility and adaptability of American foreign policy, allowing it to quickly respond to challenges and effectively implement national interests in the international arena. The complexity of the decision-making process is dictated by two other circumstances. Firstly, a large number of departments and organizations take part in it directly and indirectly. Secondly, it is influenced by many factors of a very different nature, such as the history of the development of the state and its foreign policy, the state’s place in the international arena, the political situation within the country, the personal style of the leader, political structure, cultural and political traditions.

The researcher needs to take into account both the specific combination and influence of these factors in specific periods of history, as well as general stereotypes in the operation of the decision-making mechanism, which manifest themselves in different conditions. The most popular among researchers of the process of making foreign policy decisions is the decision method, focused on studying the decision-making process, its stages, as well as developing its optimal structure. In turn, supporters of this method fall into many schools and directions, considering one or another specific element of the decision-making process more important. Proponents of the decisional method clearly focus their attention on the role of executive authorities, while devaluing the degree of influence of the legislative branch, political parties, the media, pressure groups, etc. Considering the shortcomings of the decision method, the scientific community began to search and develop new theories that take into account the role of other participants in the decision-making process.

These include the institutional model of J. Rosenau, which is aimed at describing not only the stages of decision-making, but also the mechanism of interaction of various state and social institutions with each other. Among other theories, it is worth mentioning the point of view that the process of forming and making foreign policy decisions is always located in a certain context: economic, cultural, political, social, etc., forming a certain “environment”3. Having defined the "skeleton" of the US foreign policy decision-making process, it is necessary to pay special attention to how strategic planning is carried out, providing the basis for all management decisions. In its most general form, the decision-making process in the United States occurs within the framework of a complex interaction between the executive and legislative branches. The United States pays considerable attention to developing an effective mechanism for making and implementing decisions on foreign policy issues. As a rule, these types of mechanisms are collegial in nature; their characteristic feature is the involvement of all subjects of foreign policy and the use of thorough research and analytical developments, including the expertise of governmental and non-governmental research centers. For example, the National Security Council (NSC) is responsible for developing and implementing American foreign policy, coordinating the positions of various departments and coordinating their international activities4.

The National Security Service occupies a leading position among foreign policy agencies. It is focused on operational assistance to the president and monitoring foreign policy and intelligence services. The NSC's priority goals and objectives include preparing recommendations to the president on issues of domestic, foreign and military policy related to national security, long-term foreign policy planning, coordinating the activities of foreign policy departments and monitoring the intelligence services. The NSC consists of a distinction between the members of the Council and the auxiliary apparatus, called the NSC staff. The members of the NSC are the President, Vice President, Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense.

The Assistant (Adviser) to the President for National Security, although closely associated with the work of the National Security Council, at the same time is not a member of it. The main functions of the Assistant to the President for National Security are to serve as liaison between the President and other members of the NSC, conduct Council meetings, formally represent the President's point of view, and carry out special missions in crisis situations. The Secretary of State uses his office to provide leadership over day-to-day international affairs, addressing a wide range of issues related to U.S. foreign policy. Strategically important foreign policy issues that directly affect US national security interests are addressed by the NSC. The NSC apparatus is headed by the Presidential Adviser for National Security. With the approval of the President, he forms various interdepartmental groups (commissions), operating on a permanent or temporary basis, to develop coordinated decisions on key issues of foreign policy and national security of the country, as well as to prepare directives to US delegations at multilateral and bilateral negotiations and conferences.

The Presidential National Security Advisor is a key figure in the entire process of developing, adopting and implementing key foreign policy decisions, including decisions on issues of ensuring external security. The Advisor is appointed by the President from among the most reputable experts in the field and has direct access to the President to report on any of the above issues and present his own point of view regarding the most appropriate solution. Members of the NSC should not be guided by personal emotions when solving problems affecting the interests of the country, taking into account maintaining the confidentiality of the topics discussed. Congressional representatives are not members of the NSC. In general, the legislative branch of government in the United States takes an indirect part in the process of developing, adopting and implementing foreign policy decisions. The main lever of influence of the Congress is the distribution of budgetary funds, the organization of various oversight hearings, the ratification of international agreements and treaties, the approval of appointments to the posts of ambassadors and other high-ranking foreign policy officials, etc.

In the process of forming foreign policy, especially in situations where the vital interests of the United States are threatened, according to Americans, agreement should be sought between both political parties of the country. All disputes and disagreements between them must end at the American border, which leads to the fact that the American President must take into account all the opinions within his country to make an informed decision5. Once a final decision has been made, its discussion should not be carried out abroad. Thus, the foreign policy decision-making process in the United States is complex and multidimensional, involving the interaction of many participants and factors. An integrated approach to its study allows us to form a holistic picture of this multidimensional phenomenon, highlighting the levels of its analysis, direct and indirect participants, their functions and interactions with each other.

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