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How the Past Can Inform the Future of U.S. Foreign Policy

CFR | 2026-07-06 | diplomacy

Topics: China, Climate, Europe, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, NATO, Nuclear, Russia, Trade, United States

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English Summary

This CFR project analyzes two and a half centuries of U.S. foreign policy decisions, arguing that historical patterns offer crucial lessons for current strategic challenges. The core finding, derived from surveys of leading historians, identifies the Marshall Plan as the consensus best decision due to its stabilizing role in post-WWII Europe and its humanitarian impact. These findings imply that successful long-term U.S. strategy often involves large-scale diplomatic investments aimed at rebuilding key international partners or promoting regional stability. Policymakers should view historical success not just through military action, but through sustained efforts to stabilize global systems.

中文摘要

此份美國外交關係研究中心(CFR)專案分析了兩百五十年間的美國外交政策決策,論證歷史模式為當前戰略挑戰提供了關鍵教訓。根據對頂尖史學家調查所得出的核心發現指出,馬歇爾計畫因其在二戰後歐洲的穩定作用和人道影響力,被認定為共識最佳決定。這些研究結果暗示,成功的長期美國戰略往往涉及大規模的外交投資,旨在重建關鍵國際夥伴或促進區域穩定。政策制定者應將歷史成功視角,不應僅限於軍事行動,而必須涵蓋持續努力以穩定全球體系。

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