Determinants of Foreign Policy

Determinants of foreign policy
The foreign policy of a nation is formulated and implemented by its policy makers. In
doing so they take into account the national interest of the nation, the internal and
external environment, the national values, the foreign policy goals and decisions of
other nations and the nature of international power structure. These constitute the
determinants of Foreign Policy.
There are two major factors which shape foreign policy of a country or state (Political
Science Term for a country)
I. External Factors.
It will cover International Order. For example during Cold War 1945–1991 Bipolar World
Order was prevalent and therefore foreign policy had to be made accordingly. Now we
are witnessing Multipolar World and therefore foreign policy will be charted to harness
this order in one’s favor.
II. Internal Factors
All domestic issues can be categorized under this heading.
1. Geography 2. History and Culture 3. Population 4. Power 5. National

Economy 6. Leadership
1) Size of State Territory:

The size of a state is an important factor of its Foreign Policy. Size influences the
psychological and operational environment within which the foreign policy-makers and
public respond. It includes, as Roseau says, both human and non-human resources.
Nations with large human and non-human resources always try to be big powers and
they have better chances of becoming big powers in international relations.
2) Geographical Factor:
Geography of a state is relatively the most permanent and stable factor of its foreign
Policy. The topography of land, its fertility, climate and location are the major
geographic factors which influence the Foreign Policy of a nation. These factors
determine both the needs as well as the capability to fulfill the needs of the people of a
nation. Suitable geographical factors can help and encourage the nation to adopt and
pursue higher goals. The role played by English Channel in the development of Britain
as a major naval power and consequently as an imperial power is well known.
3) Level and Nature of Economic Development:

One of the main reasons why the US Foreign Policy has been very often successful in
securing its national objectives, particularly in relation to the poor and economically
lowly placed states of the world is the high degree of its economic development. The
developed countries of our times are highly industrialized and economically developed
states. These can use foreign aid as a tool for securing their foreign policy goals. The
global perspectives and policies of the two super-powers (1945-90) were again
governed by their vast economic and industrial resources and their needs for foreign
markets and trade.
4) Cultural and Historical Factors:

The cultural heritage and the history of a nation are again important and valuable
factors of its Foreign Policy. The norms and traditions that characterize the life of the
people of a state are highly influential factors of its foreign policy. During the process of
interpreting and formulating the objectives of national interest, the decision makers are
always governed by their cultural links, historical traditions and experiences. Strong
cultural unity of the people is always a source of strength for them. It materially
influences their ability to secure the objectives of national interest during the course of
international bargaining.
5) Social Structure:
The structure and nature of the society for which the foreign policy operates is also an
important element. The nature of social groups and the degree of conflict and harmony
that characterize their mutual relations are determined by the social structure. A society
characterized by strong internal conflict and strife acts as a source of weakness for the
foreign policy. A society of united, enlightened and disciplined people with a high degree
of group harmony is always a source of strength.
6) Government Structure:
The organization and structure of government i.e. the organizational agencies which
handle the foreign policy-making and implementation is another important element of
foreign policy. The shape of the foreign policy is also determined by the fact as to
whether the government agencies handling it are democratically constituted or not.
Whether the authority relations are centralized or decision-making is free and open. The
government officials also act as decision makers and this factor always influences the
formulation of foreign policy.
7) Internal Situation:
Like the external situational factors, sudden changes, disturbances or disorders that
occur within the internal environment of a nation also influence the nature and course of
foreign policy. The resignation of President Nixon over the issue of Watergate Scandal
considerably limited the foreign policy of USA under President Ford. The internal
opposition to the military regime in Pakistan during 1947-89 was a determinant of
Pakistani foreign policy.
8) Values, Talents, Experiences and Personalities of Leaders:

Since the Foreign Policy of a nation is made and implemented by leaders, statesmen
and diplomats, naturally it bears an imprint of their values, talents, experiences and
personalities. The ideas, orientations, likings, disliking, attitudes, knowledge, skill and
the world-view of the national decision-makers are influential inputs of Foreign Policy.
The differences among the leaders are also influential inputs of a foreign policy.
9) Political Accountability:
In the words of Roseau, “the degree to which public officials are accountable to the
citizenry, either through elections, party competitions, legislative oversight, or other
means, can have important consequences for the timing and contents of the plans that
are made and the activates undertaken in foreign affairs.”
10) Ideology:
Foreign Policy is a set of principles and a strategic plan of action adopted by a nation to
fulfill the goals of national interest. It has always an ideological content. For securing
support for its goal as well as for criticizing the foreign policy goals of other nations, it
needs and adopts an ideology or some ideological principles. It, therefore, always tries
to use the ideology as well as to popularize its ideology. The ideology of communism
remained an important factor of the foreign policies of communist nations during 1945-
90.
11) National Capacity:
The national capacity of a state also exercises profound influence on the foreign policy
of a state. National capacity of a state depends on its military preparedness, it’s
technological advancement and economic development. It is well known that United
States which continued to pursue policy of isolation till the beginning of the present
century got deeply involved in the international arena in the present century mainly due
to tremendous increase in her national capacity due to rapid economic development.
Similarly, the foreign policy of Britain underwent great transformation in the post-World
War II period, mainly due to decline in her national capacity.
10. Role of Press:

The press also plays a vital role in the foreign policy formulation process. The press
contributes to this process by supplying factual information on the basis of which
the people take decision by publishing specialized articles on current international
developments which enable the people to understand the significance of developments
in their country in relation to the past developments and by analyzing the policy of the
government in regard to foreign affairs. The press also plays an important role in
publicizing the foreign policy of the country. The role of the press, however, depends on
the political system prevailing in the country, the rate of literacy as well as the attitude of
government.

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Determinants of foreign policy

1. Geography 2. History and Culture 3. Population 4. Power 5. National

1) Size of State Territory:

3) Level and Nature of Economic Development:

4) Cultural and Historical Factors:

8) Values, Talents, Experiences and Personalities of Leaders:

10. Role of Press:

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