The World at Our Doorstep: Engaging the U.S. Public in Foreign and Security Policy

Abstract

Americans need to understand the degree to which interna­tional developments can affect their lives. To carry out an effective foreign policy during crises, a democracy relies on public support. A U.S. public that fails to understand how closely linked it is to other countries is likely to lose opportu­nities to capitalize on these linkages, jeopardizing the prosper­ity it derives from them. This paper suggests a number of methods for improving public understanding of the daily conduct of diplomacy and the issues arising on the horizons of security policy - through the conventional news media, new communications technology, local activism and government and private educational programs.