Cabinet Departments

Three cabinet departments usually take center stage in American foreign policy:

  • Department of State: Engages diplomacy with other nations
  • Department of Defense: Coordinates the American military around the world
  • Department of Homeland Security: Protects America from terrorist attacks domestically and deals with natural disasters

Other Agencies

Although the State and Defense Departments are the primary foreign policy organizations in the cabinet, sometimes other departments play a role. When negotiating agricultural trade agreements, for example, the Department of Agriculture might play an important role. Specialized government organizations, such as the Office of the Trade Representative and the Export-Import Bank, also affect and influence foreign policy.

Intelligence Agencies

Many intelligence agencies work to provide the president with accurate, up-to-date information about the rest of the world. At the top of the intelligence services is the director of national intelligence, who coordinates the information that the various intelligence agencies gather. These agencies include the following:

  • Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
  • National Security Agency (NSA)
  • Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
  • Army, Navy, and Air Force intelligence

Popular pages: Foreign Policy