Roosevelt wanted U.S. foreign policy to be more active and influential. However, the Great Depression forced him to focus on solving domestic economic problems. International affairs could only be addressed gradually.

How the United States handled relations with the Soviet Union was a major diplomatic issue. Since the Communist takeover in 1917, the U.S. had refused to recognize the Moscow government. Roosevelt believed that if tensions in Eurasia led to war, the Soviet Union could potentially become an American ally. Based on this view, in 1933, the U.S. formally recognized the Soviet government. Roosevelt hoped to improve bilateral relations, but the U.S. and the Soviet Union did not trust each other, and disputes quickly arose over many issues.

Within two years, the U.S. ambassador to the Soviet Union urged Roosevelt to sever diplomatic relations, but he refused. Afterward, U.S.-Soviet relations further deteriorated, yet Roosevelt insisted on maintaining ties as a contingency.

By 1937, a U.S. public opinion survey showed that 71% of Americans believed entering World War I had been a mistake. Congress passed legislation requiring the government to remain neutral in global conflicts. The U.S. Congress also rejected government proposals to join the International Court of Justice.