Ideology and U.S. Foreign Policy: An Analysis of the Book by Michael H. Hunt

Thinking of the term "ideology", it is somewhat difficult to come up with a definition. The concept of ideology seems to encompass so many ideas; it would be hard to narrow them down. Michael H. Hunt defines ideology as "an interrelated set of convictions or assumptions that reduces the complexities of a particular slice of reality to easily comprehensible terms and suggests appropriate ways of dealing with that reality" (Hunt, pg xi). Hunt's definition is broad, which seems to make it applicable to many aspects of life. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary offers a slightly more specific definition of ideology: "the assertions, theories, and aims that constitute a political, social, and economic program".

Ideology, even simplified, is a complex undertaking. Further, it is even more difficult to pinpoint the relationship between ideology and foreign policy. Hunt believes that historians are reluctant to take up the task of exploring the elements of ideology and its connection to foreign policy. He feels that too often, they admit that policy makers are influenced by ideology, but do nothing to discern what actually makes up that ideology. I believe part of the reason historians do not delve into the core reasons behind ideology is that the concept is abstract. It is simpler to look at the tangible causes in relation to foreign policy decisions. Historians may also be dealing with their own personal ideologies, and find it difficult to distinguish their own ideologies and perceptions from those related to foreign policy.