Day: November 5, 2025

The policy and actions of a nation or state in its relations with other nations, peoples, and international organizations. It encompasses the principles and approaches a state adopts in its pursuit of its national interests, security, and well-being in the complex world it inhabits.

Foreign policy includes a wide range of activities, including developing and maintaining diplomatic relations with countries, conducting trade negotiations, supporting economic development, and combating global challenges such as climate change. Governments develop and execute their foreign policies based on a variety of factors, including domestic considerations, the actions or intentions of other states, and plans to advance specific geopolitical designs. In addition to a state’s domestic political and strategic considerations, foreign policy is shaped by the beliefs and values of its citizens and society.

The United States maintains diplomatic relations with over 190 countries and dozens of international organizations. Efforts to promote democracy, peace, and prosperity in the world are the foundation of US foreign policy. It requires a group of highly dedicated and skilled individuals to make these goals a reality, both at home and abroad. Support our diplomats and all the personnel at our embassies and consulates around the world to help achieve our country’s foreign policy goals.

A resolution is a formal text adopted by a UN body, including the Security Council and other main organs. A resolution can call for a variety of things, from sanctions to peacekeeping operations. It can also address human rights violations, terrorism, the environment, and more. Resolutions are generally passed by a majority vote, but a single member state can block them with the use of the veto, which is one of the most powerful tools of the United Nations.

The Security Council is the principal organ charged with maintaining international peace and security. Its most prominent – and controversial – tool is the veto, which allows its five permanent members (the P5) to unilaterally block the adoption of a resolution, regardless of the level of support from other countries. Critics of the veto have argued that it fuels deadlock and protects geopolitical interests at the expense of world peace.

UN Security Council resolutions often address political crises that threaten the global community. They have the power to recommend military intervention in situations of genocide, war crimes and other atrocities. In addition to resolutions, the Security Council adopts presidential statements by consensus. Presidential statements are non-binding and serve as a form of political pressure, a signal to other members that the Council is concerned about a specific issue. They may accompany resolutions or be released independently.