Does Public Opinion influence Foreign Policy? Should it? Use an example
Sample Solution
Yes, public opinion can influence foreign policy and should to some degree. Public opinion is important in a democracy because it helps inform the decisions of elected officials. For example, when President Barack Obama decided to intervene militarily in Syria, he first asked Congress for authorization and then sought the support of the American people. He held several press conferences and made speeches on national television attempting to explain why intervening was necessary and what it could achieve. The outcome of this effort suggested that public opinion had an impact; for instance, polls showed that most Americans opposed the intervention before Obama addressed them but became more supportive afterwards. This shows how public opinion can shape foreign policy decisions—even if such support is not always sustained in the long-term