A Three-Dimensional Model of American Foreign Policy Beliefs

The authors employ a theoretic model that identifies three basic goals of foreign policy-identity, security, and prosperity. Many scholars limit themselves by using a two-dimensional model of foreign policy beliefs which ignores the goal of identity. This research note demonstrates that standard factor analysis of extant data on foreign policy goals over time consistently supports a three-dimensional model which gives prominence to the multilateral-unilateral dimension of identity. The research also shows that this three-dimensional model is superior to one- or two-dimensional models in providing explanation and prediction of more specific foreign policy stances.