Internationalist U.S. Foreign Policy and Elite Consensus

Abstract

ABSTRACT U.S. foreign policy proposals are more likely to be enacted than other items before government and more likely to reflect the views of the affluent public than the middle class. We assess these patterns. Internationalist policies, such as foreign aid, international involvement, and trade agreements, draw support from think tanks and the affluent and are especially likely to pass. In line with populist critiques, Washington expands its international entanglements despite less support from the American middle class.