The Use of Force in U.S. Foreign Policy An Analytical Approach

Abstract

The use of power is one of the fundamental pillars of American foreign policy, as it has historically been linked to achieving national interests and enhancing the position of the United States in the international system. The concept of power has undergone significant development in terms of its tools and patterns of application; it is no longer limited to military use, but has expanded to include economic, diplomatic, technological, and cultural instruments. During the period (1991–2024), the United States sought to reformulate its strategies of power utilization in accordance with international transformations, particularly after the end of the Cold War and the events of September 11, 2001. The study demonstrates that American foreign policy shifted from reliance on hard power toward integrating hard and soft power within the framework of smart power. It also indicates that the escalation of international competition and the rise of rival powers contributed to changing the priorities of American power use, making it more flexible and diversified in its instruments. The study concludes that the continuation of American influence depends on its ability to balance coercive and attractive tools in a manner that serves its strategic objectives and preserves its leading role in the international system.