The Journal of Foreign Policy

The Journal of Foreign Policy

The Impact of Ideological Assumptions on US Foreign Policy

Document Type : Research Paper

Abstract
Religion is an influential component in policy making structure of the ideological systems and can be seen as an input in decision making structure of foreign policies of the states. Based on principles dominating the philosophical and social science of the western countries, this assumption could not be applied to the secular systems of government in the West. The United States, which according to its constitution is a secular state, is not an exception. Meanwhile, the ideological assumptions are explicitly reflected in political libretto of the American leaders in particular in the area of foreign policy. These opposing deliberations can remind us a paradox in the US political system, but taking a deeper and historical view to this country can explain this fact. Within the political discourse of the US decision makers in foreign policy, one can observe three common notions of 'mission', 'representation of goodness against the evil forces' and 'predilection'. This kind of political discourse is attached to, and influenced by, Evangelical Church. 
The current article, adopting a historical and social approach, aims to explain the presence of ideological and religious concepts in the US foreign policy.