5\. Harding states that the United States should "enter into no political commitments, nor assume any economic obligations which will subject our decisions to any other than our own authority." This position is similar to what modern foreign policy debate? A. the war on terrorism B. immigration control C. influence of the United Nations D. free trade agreements

The concept of U.S. autonomy revolves around the idea of the United States making decisions independently without being influenced by other nations or international bodies. This was a core principle reflected in Harding's statement. Autonomy means maintaining control over domestic and foreign policies, ensuring that decisions reflect national interests.

Autonomy is significant in preserving a nation's sovereignty. For instance, avoiding alliances or agreements that obligate the U.S. to act in ways that might not align with its interests can be seen as a way to protect this autonomy. It's important because any external influence might force the U.S. to make decisions that could compromise its national goals or security.

• Examples include military alliances requiring intervention.
• Economic agreements that might require legislative changes.
• International treaties that mandate certain policies.

Understanding U.S. autonomy helps explain why minimizing external commitments can be a priority in American foreign policy debates.

International commitments refer to agreements or obligations a country enters with other nations or international organizations. These can be treaties, trade agreements, or military alliances. While these commitments can foster cooperation and peace, they also imply certain responsibilities and constraints on autonomy.

Being part of international commitments can sometimes be complex. For instance, international trade agreements often come with rules that countries must follow. These could affect everything from tariffs to labor laws. Similarly, military alliances might require a country to partake in conflicts they might otherwise avoid.

• Examples of international commitments include NATO, the Paris Agreement, and the World Trade Organization agreements.
• Such commitments can enhance diplomatic relationships but also necessitate following specific rules and regulations.

Balancing international commitments with maintaining autonomy can be a delicate act. It’s significant in foreign policy debates as nations navigate the benefits and drawbacks of engaging globally.

The United Nations (UN) is a global organization composed of multiple member countries, aiming to foster international cooperation, peace, and security. It has considerable influence over global policies and norms. This influence can sometimes be seen as a challenge to a nation's autonomy.

For the U.S., the influence of the UN means participating in international deliberations and adhering to some global standards. This can involve peacekeeping missions, humanitarian aid, and various global initiatives. However, it can also mean making concessions or adopting policies that align with international consensus rather than purely national interests.

• Examples include voting on resolutions in the UN Security Council or General Assembly.
• Participating in human rights councils or environmental agreements.
• Engaging in global health initiatives like the World Health Organization (WHO).

The influence of the UN is a topic of ongoing debate in U.S. foreign policy, particularly from the perspective of maintaining sovereignty while engaging in global governance. Understanding this influence helps clarify why some policymakers emphasize limiting international commitments.