There's been alot of changes to US foreign policy because of public pressure. I think the Cuba embargo being softened under President Obama (as well as his official state visit) was a huge step in the right direction and can be traced to public pressure on normalizing relations with Cuba.
The trade agreements across Latin America lifted millions out of poverty (though results have been lopsided at home)
Billions in foreign aid[0][1] to Latin America since the 90s
Billions in Foreign Aid to Africa since the 90s
Numerous laws passed that criminalize foreign corruption practices (you can indeed hold corporations responsible for corruption, though not a perfect process)
Trade Treaties (which we have a history of honoring)
[0]: I am speaking of non military aid specifically, I'm excluding military aid in these numbers
[1]: Crucially, in most instances, this aid isn't given to governments directly that have proven human rights abuses, but instead directed to NGOs and non profits (see https://harvardpolitics.com/debunking-myths-foreign-aid/)
> There's been alot of changes to US foreign policy because of public pressure. I think the Cuba embargo being softened under President Obama (as well as his official state visit) was a huge step in the right direction and can be traced to public pressure on normalizing relations with Cuba.
US Cuba relations simply comes down to a small segment of US society called Cuban-Americans in Florida. Florida is a massive swing state providing a huge amount of electoral votes. As it currently stands, Republicans need a majority in Florida to have a chance at winning the Presidency. Cuban-Americans are the most opposed to normalizing relations. This is why Trump and Republicans push against normalizing relations, so they can get the Cuban-American block and win Florida. Democrats have to walk a fine line. Even when normalizing relations is the right thing, doing the opposite is what wins you the US presidential election.
The trade agreements across Latin America lifted millions out of poverty (though results have been lopsided at home)
Billions in foreign aid[0][1] to Latin America since the 90s
Billions in Foreign Aid to Africa since the 90s
Numerous laws passed that criminalize foreign corruption practices (you can indeed hold corporations responsible for corruption, though not a perfect process)
Trade Treaties (which we have a history of honoring)
[0]: I am speaking of non military aid specifically, I'm excluding military aid in these numbers
[1]: Crucially, in most instances, this aid isn't given to governments directly that have proven human rights abuses, but instead directed to NGOs and non profits (see https://harvardpolitics.com/debunking-myths-foreign-aid/)