Do you think Americans are well informed about foreign policy issues? Why or why not? What historical example can you provide that counters your argument?

What will be an ideal response?

The ideal answer should include:
1. State that beyond the so-called attentive public, Americans tend to be relatively uninformed about foreign policy issues.
2. Explain why that might be the case. For instance, around the globe, publics are increasingly less interested in issues abroad than those at home. Alternatively, in democracies, public opinion generally has less effect on foreign policy than on domestic policy. National leaders traditionally have additional latitude to make decisions in the international realm. This derives from the special need of states to act in a unified way to function effectively in the international system, as well as from the traditions of secrecy and diplomacy that remove IR from the realm of domestic politics.
3. Provide an example of the attentive public. For instance, in the case of Japan, public opinion is a major political force restraining the military spending of the government, its commitment of military forces beyond Japan's borders, and especially the development of nuclear weapons (which is within Japan's technical abilities).
4. Provide a concise summary and effective conclusion.