Final answer:
Foreign policy decisions are influenced by various factors and frameworks, ranging from individual actions to the international system. The complex interplay between Congress and the president significantly shapes U.S. foreign policy outputs. Scholars employ different lenses to analyze and understand foreign policy goals and strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the numerous factors that influence foreign policy decisions, a helpful approach is to classify these factors at various analytical levels. The decision-making process in U.S. foreign policy is shaped by differing views and theories on governance, international relationships, and the role of the United States in global politics.
The challenges of U.S. foreign policy are manifold, including the lack of a global governing authority, diverse governmental roles across countries, and issues that go beyond national borders. The output of foreign policy ranges from narrowly focused actions, like drone strikes, to broader outputs such as multilateral treaties or diplomatic budgets.