In the post-World War II era, United States foreign policy has typically involved the formation of international coalitions when the use of military force is deemed necessary. This approach reflects a commitment to multilateralism, especially during significant conflicts such as the Gulf War and the war in Afghanistan, where the U.S. collaborated with allies and international organizations.
While there are instances where the U.S. has acted unilaterally (for example, the invasion of Iraq in 2003), the overarching trend has favored coalition-building and working with international entities, including NATO and the United Nations, although the U.S. has sometimes acted independently or disregarded the UN's stance in specific situations.
Additionally, U.S. foreign policy has also utilized economic tools, such as dollar diplomacy, to influence the behavior of other countries, although this is generally seen as one aspect of a broader strategy that includes military and diplomatic efforts. Therefore, the response that best encapsulates U.S. foreign policy is that it has formed international coalitions when military action is necessary.