THE HISTORICAL ROOTS OF U.S. FOREIGN POLICY: REALISM, COMMERCE, AND MORAL RESPONSIBILITY
THE HISTORICAL ROOTS OF U.S. FOREIGN POLICY: REALISM, COMMERCE, AND MORAL RESPONSIBILITY

Summary/Abstract: The article explores Alexander Hamilton's realist, business-oriented, and morally grounded philosophy to shed light on the historical roots of U.S. foreign policy.Hamilton's contributions to America's constitutional and financial systems are well recognized. However, his perspectives on foreign policy continue to influence current debates about how the United States should engage with the world. This paper analyzes how Hamilton's focus on economic power, selective involvement, and moral realism created a lasting framework for American foreign policy. It relies on primary texts like the Federalist Papers and the Pacificus essays, along with modern realist scholarship. It suggests that Hamiltonian ideas—such as trade-focused foreign engagement, strategic neutrality, and a balanced yet principled approach to international relations—are still relevant to today's critical global issues, including economic interdependence, geopolitical competition, and diplomatic moral questions.This study offers a detailed view of how Hamiltonian realism can guide U.S. foreign policy in a multipolar world, connecting historical insights to present-day concerns.For scholars and professionals interested in the enduring impact of foundational ideas on American global leadership, this work provides policy-oriented insights by linking historical scholarship with international relations theory.

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