Measuring U.S. Foreign Policy Effectiveness

This manuscript presents a methodology whereby policymakers can assess the United States’ influence in the world. This submission differs from most scholarship on the topic in that it develops a return on effort score which takes into consideration the US goals and priorities. In terms of methodology, this manuscript applies the Analytic Network Process to develop relative priorities associated with the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal framework while considering key drivers (military and economic) across combatant commands and regions. This study’s conclusions will assist US military and policy practitioners in allocating resources and capabilities across the world to maximize the US influence relative to its goals.