Principios de Política Exterior de EE.UU.

US Foreign Policy Principles: US Independence

• Richard Henry Lee proposed independence from the British Empire in 1776.
• The 13 colonies formed a confederation to fight against Great Britain.
• Colonies recognized the sovereignty of the people and their right to govern themselves. The right to govern was not imposed by monarchy or heritage- any property owner could be elected.
• Colonists claimed the right to liberty and equality among men who owned property, but women and enslaved people were excluded.

Complaints Leading to Independence

• 27 complaints were made to the King and Parliament.
• Key complaints included high taxes, trade restrictions, and abuses by British army.
• The British army abused colonies and took land.
• Lack of a fair legal system.

US Constitution

• The 13 colonies, despite cultural differences, were united by enlightenment principles and a desire for freedom.
• The colonies distrusted centralized government.
• Founders had differing views on federalism vs. anti-federalism and the powers of the states.

US Bill of Rights

• The Constitution granted powers to the national government and president regarding war, foreign policy, and trade.
• States retained remaining powers.
• 12 proposed amendments.
• 10 amendments, now called the Bill of Rights, were ratified in 1791.
• Article 2 of the proposed amendments was ratified in 1992 as the 27th Amendment.

Monroe Doctrine

• President Monroe warned European powers against intervention in the Western Hemisphere.
• He feared colonization by European powers.
• The doctrine aimed to protect the US and the Western Hemisphere.

Bretton Woods

• Agreement established international institutions like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and others.
• The US dollar became the international currency, pegged to gold.
• Problems arose because the amount of dollars in circulation globally exceeded the amount of US gold reserves.
• Economic difficulties arose in the 50s due to this imbalance.

Challenges of the Global Economic System

• The global economic system has institutions, values, laws, and agreements.
• The US influences the global economic system to protect US interests.
• The EU follows US dictates.
• BRICS (Russia, China, Brazil, and others) are potential challengers to the US-dominated system.
• Current economic systems are being challenged by countries like China.
• Economical interests are a driver of these changes.