Constructions of United States National Identity within United States Foreign Policy Approaches

Abstract: This paper investigates the use of national identity as a rhetorical and strategic tool in shaping foreign policy by focusing particularly on United States presidents during instances of international conflict. Four administrations (George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden) show the extent to which presidents were subjective or strategic by identifying the national identity narratives employed over a longitudinal design to two case studies: the War in Afghanistan and the evolving United States and China rivalry over Taiwan. Qualitative coding of presidential statements indicates that each president exhibits a high degree of subjectivity, consistently framing United States’ national identity in ways that align with their personal interpretations. These findings indicate that presidents show a predisposition towards reinforcing fixed narratives regardless of their foreign policy approach. The implications are that such rigid identity constructions limit the potential for inclusive or multifaceted policy approaches needed for nuanced diplomacy in a globalized world. Future research will examine pathways for leaders to incorporate broader and more diverse identity frames in foreign policy discourse. Keywords: National Identity, United States Foreign Policy, Presidency, Identity Frames