International affairs in the United States continue to change the world and impact its reputation in the world.
United States Foreign Relations
The United States is constantly assessing and updating its foreign relation policies due to its size, influence, and immigration. Initially, this began as a series of economical proliferation initiatives, with the emergence of the Manifest Destiny philosophy resulting colonialism and the expansion of Spheres of Influence. Nonetheless, the United States as maintained mostly a neutral stance, developing relationships with various countries to form an exclusive group of allied governments, but otherwise remaining noncommittal unless directly affected. Since, the United States has made strides in solidifying a North American Union and establishing both NATO and the United Nations. NATO is the primary distinction for countries that have adequately peaceful relations with the United States, mostly in the interest of trade. Such countries and regions include:
- Mexico
- Canada
- Australia
- The Middle East
- Taiwan
- Bulgaria
- Georgia
- Ukraine
- Kosovo
Recognition of Saudi Arabia
The United States first recognized Saudi Arabia by proxy through recognition of the Jejaz Kingdom. Saudi Arabia was then officially recognized by the United States as an independent country in 1931. The signing of a provisional agreement regarding diplomatic and consular representation marked this recognition two years later. Full diplomatic relations were established by 1940. In 1942, the U.S. Legation was opened in Jeddah and the U.S. Consulate General was opened in Dhahran was opened in 1944. The U.S. Legation was upgraded to the Jeddah Embassy in 1949. This later became the U.S. Consulate General in 1984 and the U.S. Embassy relocated to Riyadh.