Explain why free trade and economic development are foreign policy concerns of the united states

Both free trade and economic development are part of the United States' foreign policy agenda, since both concepts do not only involve the United States and its citizens, but many other countries that trade with it. Therefore, in the case of free trade agreements, there is a clear identification with matters of foreign policy, from the negotiation of the agreement to its signature and subsequent legal adaptation. Thus, for example, a free trade agreement between America and Mexico implies a set of internal and external measures to be taken in both countries, which implies a coordination of policies and interests between both countries.

The same is true of economic development, given that the United States, as the world's leading economic power, is the main investor in most countries on the planet, through its companies and banks, and also through direct government investment. Therefore, to receive these investments, foreign countries must negotiate with America the terms of these investments, which also implies a coordination of interests at the multinational level.