Foreign policy refers to the ways in which nations advance their interests and objectives in world politics. Countries ordinarily pursue their objectives through diplomacy (official negotiations) with other countries and through participation in international organizations. However, in certain cases, governments use military force to protect or promote their interests.
Areas of foreign policy commonly include environmental protection, human rights issues, international trade, and the prevention or resolution of armed conflict. Most nations have several broad foreign policy aims that remain the same, even if their political leadership changes. For instance, nearly all democracies list peace, security, and justice among their chief foreign policy goals. In addition, certain vital interests—such as economic well-being and safety from foreign attack—are common for all governments throughout the world.
A number of factors directly or indirectly affect foreign policy. Such factors include features of government; the education, beliefs, and opinions of the general population; relations with other countries and international organizations; and economic and military strength. No government can maintain a foreign policy that does not fit the nation’s resources and capabilities.
Influences on foreign policy
A nation’s foreign policy is influenced by conditions within the nation itself, as well as by interactions with other countries and international bodies. Foreign policy is a continuous process because each new step depends on past actions and the reactions of the global community.
Domestic policy
—that is, laws and regulations in effect within the nation’s borders—sometimes affects, or interferes with, foreign policy. For instance, if one nation’s domestic policy violates the human rights of its citizens, other nations may pressure the government to change its practices. Another example involves the large subsidies (payments) that some national governments use to support their farming industries. The subsidies are a matter of domestic policy, yet they also influence trading relationships with other countries. Such policies may cause friction with nations who depend on the free trade of agricultural goods.
Historical and social traditions
in a country play a large part in its foreign policy. For example, Canadian foreign policy differs from that of the United States, even though both are democracies with a long record as good neighbors. Until 1931, Canada was part of the British Empire. Therefore, Canadians have traditionally been more concerned with European affairs, and less interested in East Asia, than have Americans. Social relations between cultural groups within a country may also affect foreign policy.
Alliances.
All countries rely on the good will and cooperation of other nations. Governments continually modify their own policies to obtain and preserve allies. Many nations belong to alliances and organizations—such as the European Union (EU) or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)—that help increase their influence and protect their interests. Governments may also enter into agreements with other countries to cooperate for economic, environmental, military, or other purposes. For example, two or more national governments may sign a treaty to eliminate trade barriers or to provide military assistance for one another in times of war.
Economic factors
have a major impact on foreign policy. National economies throughout the world depend heavily on international trade and the export of products from their domestic industries. Governments closely follow economic conditions and develop policies to promote their business interests. Many nations take part in reciprocal trade agreements, in which two or more governments agree to lower tariffs or other trade barriers on certain goods or services.
Most nations belong to the World Trade Organization (WTO), an international organization that promotes trade among nations. Some governments alter their economic policies to meet the WTO’s guidelines. China, for instance, attained WTO membership in 2001, but only after many years of negotiations and reforms.
Military strength
also plays an important role in foreign policy. Governments pay close attention to the military capabilities and resources of nations throughout the world. Because the United States possesses more military power than any other nation, many governments consider the possible reactions of the U.S. government when they develop their foreign policy. In some cases, governments and international organizations take action to prevent other nations from building or acquiring weapons of mass destruction—that is, biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons.
Shaping foreign policy
The development of foreign policy involves a series of choices from among a variety of possible courses. These choices are traditionally shaped by a nation’s political leaders, lawmakers, and general population.
The executive.
The primary responsibility for the design and execution of foreign policy belongs to the nation’s chief executive. Most presidents and prime ministers have the power to advance policies, negotiate international agreements, and authorize the use of military force. The chief executive usually has the support of a number of government agencies and institutions. For instance, the Department of State aids the president of the United States in foreign policy matters. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Canada and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the United Kingdom serve similar functions. Other government departments and agencies—in such areas as defense and intelligence—also help the chief executive shape foreign policy.
The legislature.
In most democracies, the legislative branch of government has authority to debate foreign policy strategies, to monitor the policies of the executive branch, and to provide or restrict funding for various purposes. However, during times of crisis—such as when a nation is at war—the foreign policy role of the legislature is sometimes limited. In undemocratic governments, lawmaking bodies usually have substantially less impact on foreign policy.
Public opinion.
In democratic societies, the people of the nation play a major role in shaping government policy. Political leaders pay close attention to public opinion and work to build and maintain support for foreign policy strategies. This effort usually involves educating people on central issues and providing arguments in support of the government’s positions. If a nation’s foreign policy lacks public support, the government may have difficulty carrying it out. For instance, declining public support for the Vietnam War (1957-1975) was a major factor in the U.S. government’s decision to withdraw its troops. Public opinion has significantly less impact in undemocratic societies.
