THE PRESIDENT, THE CONGRESS AND US FOREIGN POLICY (BSFS)

Jim Seevers, Director of Studies

The President, Congress and US Foreign Policy Constitutional scholar Edwin Corwin famously wrote that the U.S. constitution is an “invitation to struggle for the privilege of directing America foreign policy.” How is this struggle between the legislative and executive branches unfolding during the current administration? Will Congress assert its constitutional authority related to the use of force, resist executive branch trade policies, or push for a tougher stance toward Russia? Is Congress changing the Administration’s foreign aid spending plans? Will Democratic and Republican Senators use the filibuster to block national security legislation they find objectionable? This course provides a practical understanding of how and why the U.S. Congress influences foreign policy. Prospective congressional staffers (or interns) – as well as students who would like to find employment in Washington’s diplomatic, development, business, advocacy or analytical communities – should have a firm understanding of Congress and the intersect between the U.S. political process and foreign policy. The seminar will examine the basic premise that – in any democracy – politics is closely connected to the making and conduct of foreign policy and that in the United States a great deal of the political process plays out in Congress. Part one of the course builds a constitutional, institutional, procedural, political and historical framework for understanding Congress’ role in international affairs. Part two looks at the specific tools used by Congress to influence foreign policy, such as the power of the purse, the authority to regulate foreign commerce, and the ability to reorganize the government. Part three examines the pressure brought to bear on Congress on international issues by the executive branch, foreign governments, lobbyists, advocacy groups and interest groups (in particular U.S.-citizen ethnic interest group