America First & Israel First: Foreign Policy Doctrines, Global Impact

This guide explores the ideological foundations, geopolitical consequences, and domestic debates surrounding the “America First” and “Israel First” doctrines in U.S. foreign policy—backed by recent studies, statistics, and expert commentary.

🇺🇸 America First: Principles, Impact, and Controversies

Core Principles
America First emphasizes national sovereignty, economic protectionism, and military strength. It prioritizes domestic interests over multilateral commitments America First Policy Institute The White House.
Impact on NATO and Allies
Trump’s rhetoric challenged NATO’s relevance, proposing U.S. withdrawal and demanding increased European defense spending. Critics say this undermines alliance cohesion The Geopolitics americafirstpress.org.
Trade Agreements (NAFTA, TPP)
America First led to the withdrawal from TPP and renegotiation of NAFTA into USMCA. Tariffs and trade barriers increased costs for importers and strained global supply chains Centre Law & Consulting The White House.
Climate Change Cooperation
The U.S. withdrew from the Paris Agreement twice (2017, 2025), isolating itself from global climate efforts. Critics argue this weakens collective action and cedes leadership to China and the EU maidencap.com faf.ae.
Historical Precedents
The term dates back to Woodrow Wilson’s 1916 campaign and the America First Committee (1940), which opposed U.S. entry into WWII. It has roots in non-interventionism and nationalism TIME Wikipedia.
Immigration and Border Security
Policies include birthright citizenship restrictions, asylum limits, and border wall expansion. The doctrine links immigration to national security and sovereignty America First Policy Institute swlgpc.com.
Economic Consequences
Positives: domestic manufacturing growth, supply chain security. Negatives: higher consumer costs, global instability, and retaliatory tariffs needleseye.net Norwich University.
Sovereignty vs. Globalism
Supporters argue global institutions erode U.S. autonomy. America First promotes unilateralism and rejects global governance frameworks Foreign Affairs RealClearDefense.

🇮🇱 Israel First: Strategic Alliance and Political Debate

Definition and Implications
“Israel First” refers to U.S. foreign policy that prioritizes Israeli interests, often seen in military aid, UN vetoes, and Middle East strategy newsofisrael.com Wikipedia.
Criticism and U.S. Interests
Critics argue it complicates diplomacy, fuels regional instability, and limits U.S. flexibility in dealing with Arab states and Iran Modern Ghana Jewish Currents.
Defense Spending and Aid
Israel has received $174 billion in U.S. aid since 1948, including $21 billion since 2023. Aid supports Israel’s military edge and joint defense initiatives Council on Foreign Relations Congress.gov.
Balancing Palestinian Concerns
Politicians face pressure to support Israel while addressing human rights in Gaza. Internal divisions among Democrats and Republicans are growing Chicago Council on Global Affairs Norwich University.
Pro-Israel Lobbying Influence
Groups like AIPAC and 51 PACs shape legislation, fund campaigns, and influence foreign policy. Their role is significant but controversial USC Global Policy Institute washingtonmorning.com.
Bipartisan Support Trends
Once near-universal, support is now polarized. Younger Democrats and independents show growing skepticism, while Republicans remain strongly pro-Israel The Hill Middle East Monitor.
Antisemitism and Political Discourse
Debates around “Israel First” often blur lines between legitimate criticism and antisemitism. Scholars urge clearer definitions to protect free speech and Jewish safety The Conversation faf.ae.

🎬 Top Documentaries on America First & Israel First

Title	Focus	Source
America First – The Trump Administration (ARTE)	3-part series on foreign policy shifts	ARTE
America First: A Fareed Zakaria Special	Isolationism and global impact	Apple TV
The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy	Lobbying influence and strategic ties	Washington Morning
Mind the Gap – Quincy Institute	U.S. policy vs. Israel’s war conduct	Quincy Institute
Not Above the Fray – Times of Israel	Bipartisan shifts in Israel support	Times of Israel