Final answer:
The headlines reflect developments in U.S. foreign policy such as assertiveness in negotiations and democratic development observation. Broader foreign policy decisions generally have a wider impact, setting the framework for more focused actions. The end of the Cold War and today's complex global environment impact the presidential foreign policy effectiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The headlines suggest a development in foreign policy that encompasses a shift towards assertiveness and engagement in international dialogue. This includes efforts such as challenging North Korea to enter discussions and observing the democratic development of large populous countries like India. In the context of U.S. foreign policy, these actions reflect the assertion of influence and negotiation in complex global issues such as nuclear negotiations, democracy promotion, and strategic partnerships.
In terms of the types of foreign policy outputs that have more impact, broadly conceived policies such as strategic direction, alliance building, and diplomacy typically have a wider scope of influence than sharply focused ones, which are often specific to an issue or region. This is because broader policies set the framework within which more specific actions take place. However, sharply focused policies can also have significant impact when they address critical issues with precision and depth.
The thesis's expectation of a more successful foreign policy presidency today may not fully align with current realities. The end of the Cold War and the complexity of the modern international arena have reduced the automatic unity typically seen during times of bipolar geopolitical competition. Nonetheless, the president still possesses strong foreign policy powers and continues to shape the U.S. approach to global challenges.