Democratic governance is based on the notion that legislation and public policy ought to represent the views of the public. It is impossible to sustain an efficient and productive society without continuously analyzing direct feedback from the citizens. Thus, it is an apparent aligning policy with public opinion is crucial. Foreign policy presents a set of challenges that are different from typical domestic issues. Therefore, dealing with problems and conflicts abroad requires a unique approach. Citizens can be trusted to some extent to be aware of their immediate surroundings, including the most urgent issues or even possible solutions.
However, the views the public has regarding other nations and developments abroad are largely formed by media outlets and propaganda exclusively. If Americans relied on the official statements of the North Korean government, they would consider it the best country in the world and its people – the happiest. The optimal solution is to make well-researched, evidence-based decisions while investing time and resources in the process of taking into consideration the views of the public domestically and the actual citizens of foreign countries in question.