Researcher ORCID Identifier
0009-0004-7047-9536
Graduation Year
2025
Date of Submission
4-2025
Document Type
Open Access Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
International Relations
Reader 1
Jennifer Taw
Terms of Use & License Information
Rights Information
© 2025 Olivia M Licata
Abstract
This paper examines the influence of realist theory on U.S. foreign policy from 1776 to 2025. Through a temporal analysis of policy across three international power systems – multipolarity, bipolarity, and unipolarity – this paper determines that U.S. foreign policymakers follow realist prescriptions for state behavior given their perception of the United States’ status within the international balance of power system. As a result, the U.S. foreign policy has become rooted in realist assumptions and constrained to realism-prescribed behavior, which will ultimately lead to hegemonic decline. This paper calls for the reexamination of realist influences on foreign policy decision-making.
Recommended Citation
Licata, Olivia M., "A Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: Realism in U.S. Foreign Policy" (2025). CMC Senior Theses. 3919.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/3919
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