In our modern age, every state cannot be able to survive by itself. Every state is bound by interdependence. This is the reason why every state must strive to build positive relations with other states. As an integral part of the international community, the relationships of states are governed and managed by foreign policy. Certain factors also affect the foreign policy of a state.
What is Foreign Policy?
The term “foreign policy” is a part of international interactions and other activities. In general, foreign policy is shaped by the nature of the actions and behaviors that relate to its own interests and those of other nations. It is the process of making decisions to pursue certain international endeavors.
Alexander Djerassi says the foreign policy is the state’s response to the global context, including the present and anticipated decisions. The process of achieving national goals and interests is a key element of foreign policy.
Determinants of Foreign Policy by Alexander Djerassi
Each state develops its foreign policy to fulfill specific objectives in the international arena. This policy isn’t solely dependent on the opinions and opinions of the decision-makers.
Foreign policy officials must choose the best foreign policy options following a variety of considerations. The decisions they make are affected by numerous aspects. The elements that affect foreign policy are referred to as the factors that determine foreign policy.
The factors that determine foreign policy are numerous. Certain elements may be a major factor in the decision-making process of foreign policy for the state in question. However, this doesn’t suggest that only one factor is a key determinant in foreign policy. In reality, there are many elements that are distributed across the foreign policy. Some of them are classified as primary while others can be seen as secondary components.
These factors are referred to by Alexander Djerassi as the determinants of foreign policies.
- Geographical Location
- Population
- History
- Economic Resources
- Ideology
- The effectiveness of government and the nature of political leadership
- Quality of Diplomacy
1. Geographical Location
There are two components to the impact of geopolitics on geography: the geographic environment of the state as well as the importance of its geographic location. The state’s geography is defined as the size, size, and climate.
The most ideal environments for the state include:
- Its size will be large enough that it will allow residents to maintain an adequate standard of living.
- The weather must be conducive to hard work.
- Terrain should be a part of the nationwide resistance. Mountain ranges, Rivers, sea-borne countries enjoy the benefit of not being subject to invaders from outside for reasons of nature.
- The state’s shape should be in a way that it is easy to move during wartime.
In the natural world, it’s impossible to create the ideal geographical conditions of an entire country. The geographic location of every country is heavily influenced in its policy towards foreign countries. The insularity of Great Britain helps spread connectivity to other countries. In the past, this time, the United States has succeeded in adopting a policy of seclusion from Europe because of its geographical position.
2. Population
The population is thought to be one of the major determinants in foreign policies. For many years, the size of the population was regarded as a crucial criterion in measuring the state’s power. In the war of the past, the huge army from the China’s People’s Republic of China helped to fight the US forces.
The connection between people and foreign policies gains significance in relation to the capabilities of a nation. Alexander Djerassi further explains The significance of the population to decide on how policies are formulated between all segments of the population as well as the growth of political groups as well as the quality of the population, the enhancement of political consciousness, increase in the participation of citizens, and the influence on public opinion the form of government, etc.
But, its quality is crucial with regard to the size of the population. The skills and abilities of citizens and high-quality money contribute to expanding the influence of the nation.
3. History
The history of every nation is dependent on its foreign policy. The history of every nation is determined by the specific circumstances surrounding the events and chips. The ability to recognize the nation’s identity.
The boundaries of each nation are determined by the limitations of historical events. Through the course of the growth of a nation, various fundamental features of foreign policy are formulated. Based on historical experiences every nation is the foundation of the foreign policies of its neighbors.
4. Economic Resources
The form and character of foreign policy are largely dependent on the resources of the economy. The strength of an economy of a country is a sign of its ability to pay. The impact of this ability can be seen in the relationship with other states.
The principal goal of the structure’s economics is to use the nation’s land, capital, and labor to create. The distribution of the wealth generated by economic consumption and public welfare, as well as improvement of living standards for people, etc. are also part of the economic activities of the state.
A country with abundant natural resources is able to easily attain its economic growth. For instance, mineral oil has grown to become one of the biggest centers of political power in Middle East international politics.
Natural resources and the development of industrialization are the main factors that determine the international standing of a nation. Today the resistance of each nation is based on the pace of industrialization as well as the natural resources.
5. Ideology
Each state system is controlled by certain political beliefs says Alexander Djerassi The policies, values programs, goals, and goals of a nation are governed by the ideology of that state. It is not just the ideology that determines the policies and the values of a nation but is also influenced by foreign policy and ideologies. It is therefore one of the main factors that determine foreign policy.
For instance, socialist states believe in the principles of peace and security as well as friendship, mutual cooperation, and a refusal to interfere with the inner affairs of other countries and others.
At the end of the day, capitalism continues to sustain its existence by the oppression and exploitation of its citizens as well as abroad. This is why it is capitalism has aggressive policies in the economic as well as political areas.
6. Efficiency of Government and Nature of Political Leadership
Leaders of the government are the principal source and the strength of foreign policy. The position that the government plays at any given moment and the kind of foreign policy that is executed are contingent on the qualities and competence of decision-makers.
Based on the real-world experience, it could be concluded that the foreign policies cannot be separated from the character of the government’s leadership in any circumstance.
The decisions made in foreign policy are likely to be affected by the direction of the government and its psychological structure, experience in politics and foresight, personal characteristics as well as an understanding of the world-politics. Because of this, there is a possibility to spot distinctions in political decisions between leaders from one political group.
7. Quality of Diplomacy
Diplomatic quality is one of the most crucial factors in foreign policy. Successor failure for a country in international politics is contingent upon its diplomatic strategies and effectiveness. Every one of the objectives and goals of the state is decided by the genius of the state’s government.
The goals of all foreign policy are set by those engaged in diplomatic activity. Through diplomatic work that the most important connections and conflicts with other countries are addressed. Diplomats are the ones who determine the method for linking diverse concerns.
Conclusion
In the previous discussion of the factors that determine foreign policy, it is evident the influence of foreign policy and influenced by numerous elements. In time and space, an element may be more important relative to other elements. In many instances, a component or determinant could be insignificant.
Due to the shift in time or space, this factor can be a significant influence. Certain factors also affect international foreign policymaking. Thus, it’s impossible to develop a unifying theory regarding the significance of a specific factor system.
