




























































































Study with the several resources on Docsity
Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
Prepare for your exams
Study with the several resources on Docsity
Earn points to download
Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
Community
Ask the community for help and clear up your study doubts
Discover the best universities in your country according to Docsity users
Free resources
Download our free guides on studying techniques, anxiety management strategies, and thesis advice from Docsity tutors
Best notes on Foreign Policy and easy to learn
Typology: Exams
1 / 182
This page cannot be seen from the preview
Don't miss anything!
Unit Structure : 1.0 Objective 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Definitions of Foreign Policy 1.3 National Interest and Foreign Policy 1.4 Objectives of Foreign Policy 1.5 Influential Factors in Foreign Policy Making 1.6 Let us sum up 1.7 Unit end questions 1.8 Reference
We intend to get introduced to why any nation requires a foreign policy and some of the prominent definitions of foreign policy that are in discussion for many years. This chapter will look into some of the common factors that figure in foreign policy of all the countries in modern era. Similarly, there are common determinants, both internal and external, of foreign policy in almost each country, which we will discuss briefly here.
Development of Nation-States and increasing interactions among them has resulted into formation of foreign policy in the modern times. Establishment of United Nations and process of de- colonization that has liberated many states into sovereign entities have further provided impetus to interrelationships among states. There is certain unanimity among scholars and statesmen on necessity of a foreign policy for each state, since no state will like to function in complete isolation from rest of the world. Feliks Gross said that even a decision to have no relations with a particular state is also a foreign policy or, in other words, not to have a definite foreign policy is also a foreign policy. For example, India’s decision to have no diplomatic relations with Israel up to 1992 was integral part of its foreign policy. India wanted to continue good diplomatic
and trade relations with Israel’s adversaries, i.e. the Arab states, whose support on Kashmir was crucial for India, along with access to crude oil. A state without foreign policy will look like a team playing football without any strategy to post the goals, hence all eleven players being clueless about their role and functions on the playground. Thus, in a modern state that lacks foreign policy; the External Affairs Ministry will have no priorities in developing bilateral relations or participating in multilateral forums. The Defence Ministry will have no clear cut ideas about armed preparations of country’s military, since no criteria have been set up before it to define friends and to recognize enemies in the international sphere. The Finance as well as Commerce Ministry will struggle to take stand on issues of import-export during bilateral or multilateral trade negotiations. A state without a foreign policy can be compared to a ship in the deep sea without knowledge of directions. As the radar on the ship navigates it towards land destination, foreign policy leads the state in fulfilling its national interest and acquiring rightful place among comity of nation-states. Therefore, it can be said that foreign policy will exist as long as sovereign states operate in international sphere.
One comes across variety of definitions of foreign policy offered by different scholars. Scholars differ on definition of foreign policy; however, they are certain that it is concerned with behavior of a state towards other states. According to George Modelski, “Foreign policy is the system of activities evolved by communities for changing the behavior of other states and for adjusting their own activities to the international environment….. Foreign Policy must throw light on the ways in which states attempt to change, and succeed in changing, the behavior of other states.” (George Modelski, A Theory of Foreign Policy, (London, 1962) pp.6-7) Behaviour of each state affects behavior of every other state in one form or the other, directly or indirectly, with greater or lesser intensity, favaourably or adversely. Function of foreign policy is to try to minimize the adverse effects and maximize the favorable effects of actions of other states. The objective of foreign policy is not only to change but also to regulate behavior of other states by ensuring continuity of their favourable actions. For example, Great Britain’s stand on Kashmir was vague during cold war period. Here, Indian foreign policy attempted to change Great Britain’s position in India’s favour. On the other hand, the erstwhile USSR supported India on the Kashmir question for many years. In this case, Indian foreign policy’s objective was to ensure continuity of USSR’s favourable position.
operation/co-existence or conflict or neutrality towards a particular state or group of states or rest of the world. Check your progress
In modern times, for consistency and continuity of a foreign policy, it has to gain legitimacy with domestic audience, i.e. citizens of a country. This is achieved by relentless pursuit of perceived national interest through country’s foreign policy. National interests are needs, aims or desires conveyed to policymakers by the citizens of a country. Such aims, needs and desires vary enormously from State to State and time to time. State conducts its international relations for attainment of national interests, which are general and continuing ends. State seeks to achieve or protect national interest in relations with other states. National interest is defined in various terms such as defence against aggression , developing higher standard of living or seeking rightful place at international organizations such as United Nations. Charles Lerche and Abdul Said define national interest as, “The general long term and continuing purpose which the state, the nation, and the government all see themselves as serving.” (Charles O. Lerche Jr. and Abdul A Said, Concepts of International Politics , (Engelwood Cliffs, 1963), p.6) National Interests are divided into two categories; vital or core interests and less than vital or secondary interests. Vital interests are most important from the point of view of county’s foreign policy. The state is most unwilling to make any compromise with vital interests and is sure to wage war in its defence. India says Kashmir is an issue of vital interest for it. China proclaims Taiwan and Tibet are of vital interests to it. United States considered toppling of Taliban regime in Afghanistan as an issue of vital
interest to it. Vital interests of a state are so basic that they acquire near-permanent place on its foreign policy agenda and often create emotional appeal among the masses. On the other hand, less than vital or secondary interests are those aims of a state that they make efforts to fulfill, but refrain from going to war or creating animosity with other states. For India, a permanent seat at U.N. Security Council, or extradition of main accused of Bhopal Gas Tragedy are issues of national interests. But, India will not go to war to achieve these goals nor will it use any other kind of coercion to the extent of creating animosity with other states. Vital interests are termed as goals of foreign policy, while the secondary interests are termed as objectives of foreign policy. Further, objectives can be divided into specific and general objectives. The specific objectives are concerned with each individual state and hence differ from state to state and time to time. The above stated objectives of permanent seat at U.N.S.C. and extradition of culprits of industrial accident are India’s specific objectives rather than of every state’s concerns. On the other hand, general objectives of foreign policy make sense with almost every state.
Following are some of the key general objectives that we can locate in foreign policy of almost every country:
Like the general objectives of foreign policy, there are common determinants that can be applied to any state to assess its foreign policy. These determinants are of two types: internal and external. Internal Factors
1. Size: Territorial size of a state influences its foreign policy in a sense that bigger the size greater role the state can play in international politics. India’s ambitions to achieve great power status in world politics can be attributed to its size, which is 7th largest sovereign state in the world. Similarly, one of the major factors of importance of United States, Russia and China is their gigantic size. On the other hand, smaller countries generally do not get opportunities to perform larger than life roles in international arena. Smaller island countries in the Asia-Pacific region and in Africa continent do not play significant roles in world politics. Big size makes the geographical location of a state crucial in international sphere. India is geo-politically important in world politics because its vast size places it at the inter-junction of South-East Asia, Central Asia, West Asia, South Asian countries and China. India’s huge population, if seen in terms of human resources, also provides strength to its foreign policy. No important country in the world can ignore such a vast size of people, and on the other hand, India needs co- operation from other states to fulfill growing needs of its population. Thus, territorial size, geographical location and population play important role in determining a state’s foreign policy. However, there are examples of smaller countries acquiring importance in international domain, either due to its substantial population, or geographical location, or superior economy. A case of Bangla Desh fits in the first scenario, while a land-locked country like Nepal becomes important due to its location between two emerging powers, i.e. India and China. Japan and South Korea have gained much superior status in world politics, in comparison to other countries of their size, due to their rich economic structures. Their substantial population within a small territory and geographical location in the Pacific Ocean adjacent to Russia and China are also the factors in their emergence at world stage. In the recent past, a small-size Britain dominated world politics for about two centuries due to its advance maritime, industrial and management skills. In today’s world, comparatively smaller countries in the West Asian
region have acquired importance due to rich oil and gas resources. On the other hand, big size countries like Australia and Canada are not significant actors in international politics because of their isolated location and smaller population.
2. Geography: A state’s climate, fertility of soil, access to water- ways, deposits of mineral resources, diversity of crops, availability of drinking water etc. affect and influence its foreign policy. Sufficiency of these factors makes the state self- sufficient, and thus, it can assert in relations with other states. It is observed that land-locked countries, countries in the tropic region and those bordering superpowers are more dependent on other states than the countries with access to warm ports, in the temperate region and at a considerable distance from superpowers. After independence, India could not be compelled to join either of superpower blocks and it could formulate its own policy of non-alignment because it had more than one ways of doing trade with other countries, it was confident of developing capacities to utilize natural resources and development of agriculture, and it was at a geographical distance from the then superpowers, i.e. U.S. and U.S.S.R. 3. History and Culture: Historical experiences and cultural traditions of a state exert influence on its foreign policy. Generally, state with unified culture and common history finds it easier to formulate effective and consistent foreign policy. In such a case, overwhelming majority of people, who share similar experiences and common perceptions of historical events, support the state’s foreign policy. On the other hand, country with divergent cultures and various historical experiences in its different parts, finds it difficult to formulate foreign policy in unison. Without a common anti-colonial legacy and deep-rooted culture of peace and co-operation in Indian society, it was not possible for the government to formulate country’s foreign policy in post-independence era. Yet, of late, Indian government has been increasingly facing dilemma in its foreign policy on such issues as nuclearisation, strengthening relations with Israel, engaging Pakistan, atrocities on Tamils in Sri Lanka etc. It is, indeed, an enormous challenge before the policymakers in India to generate unanimity in the country on its foreign policy; given the vastness, diversity, different regions’ geographical proximity with neighboring countries and lineages across the borders. 4. Economic Development: Level of economic development influences state’s foreign policy in more than one ways. Advanced industrialist countries play dominant role in world politics, and formulate their foreign policies to maintain such superiority. These countries have large resources at their
of their capabilities in adapting to new technologies due to their technically skilled labour force.
6. Military Preparedness: Capabilities of a state to defend its borders against armed aggression plays important role in its foreign policy. Militarily capable states exercise greater independence from external forces in formulating their foreign policy. Increased military preparedness of a country might result in change in its foreign policy. Indian foreign policy has acquired new dimensions after nuclearisation, as it attempts to gain the status equivalent to P-5 countries. Since country’s pride is associated with military victories; in the case of defeat, state suffers international humiliation that negatively affects its foreign policy. India has undergone this experience after the 1962 boundary war with China, when its prestige declined among third world countries. India had regained the lost pride and prestige in 1971 when it decisively defeated Pakistan that resulted into latter’s partition and creation of Bangla Desh. 7. National Capacity: National capacity of a state is comprised of its economic development, technological progress and military capability. It exercises profound influence on state’s foreign policy. In early 20 th century, the United States changed its foreign policy from that of isolation to engagement, as its national capacity had seen tremendous increments during that period. Similarly, today, China is exerting its influence in international politics as it has become confident of its national capacity. 8. Social Structure: Social structure influences, albeit indirectly, foreign policy of any country. It is true that it is difficult to measure divisions or homogeneity of a particular society, and more difficult is to judge its impact on foreign policy. However, it is certain that changes in social structure cause a change in the foreign policy in long term. A state divided on racial or religious or regional lines struggle to put forward its best possible foreign policy, as it becomes difficult for it to receive co-operation from all quarters of society. On the other side, a homogenous society produces more coherent, and even aggressive, foreign policy. In post-World War II era, nationalism and other ideologies were used to bridge the social differences to strengthen country’s foreign policy. 9. Ideology of State: A proclaimed ideology of the state comprehensively influences its foreign policy. In 1930s, Nazi Germany’s emphasis upon superiority of Aryan race played important role in its foreign policy. Similarly, United States and U.S.S.R.’s stated objectives of promotion of democratic system and socialist system respectively dominated much of their
respective foreign policies during cold war period. Ideological preferences of the state reflect upon process of policy formulation as well. State with democratic values of open debate and dissent tend to listen to the public opinion seriously. Under democratic set up, pressure groups, political parties with different shades of ideologies and press indulges in public opinion making that deeply influences foreign policy of a country. In 1970s, the United States government bowed to tremendous domestic pressure to withdraw from the Vietnam War. It is said that the United States actually lost that war within its borders than in Vietnam. On the contrary, there was no scope for building such public opinion in erstwhile U.S.S.R. due to its authoritarian set up, which had emanated from its ideological understanding of Dictatorship of Proletariat. In authoritarian systems, only government’s positions on foreign policy issues are allowed to be published in the press. Electronic media is also monopolized with government propaganda on foreign policy. In democratic systems, press plays important role in discussing government’s actions and inactions, and in the process determining its foreign policy. Thus, role of press becomes important in democratic systems in disseminating information and views on foreign policy of respective governments.
10. Spread of Internet: Internet, particularly social media websites, circulation of bulk e-mails, news portals and blogospheres have begun to influence state’s foreign policy. Dissemination of internet services in any society, even if for commercial or scientific purposes, leads towards its emergence as a tool of public debate and opinion making. In China, even after governmental restrictions and vigilance, Internet has become a medium for people to express their opinions. During diplomatic crisis of bombing of Chinese embassy in erstwhile Yugoslavia and Japanese premier’s controversial visits to war shrines, public opinion generated on internet sites created immense pressure on Chinese government to act decisively to defend country’s sovereignty and honour respectively. In coming days, Internet is bound to play an increasing role in the state’s foreign policy. 11. Form of Government: Form of government established in a state plays its role in a country’s foreign policy. Totalitarian or authoritative forms of government, such as governments in one- party system or under complete control of military junta, are capable of quick foreign policy decisions. In such systems, decision-making is restricted to elite core within the government, making it easier to formulate foreign policy. However, it is observed that decision-making under closed system has often, if
External Factors:
It is pertinent for a nation-state in the modern world to formulate their respective foreign policies to protect and enhance its
national interest. Since process of formulating and implementing of a foreign policy is complex and ever-evolving, the scholars have struggled to narrow down its definition, but without success. However, there is unanimity on broad objectives of foreign policy, which are i) protection of unity and integrity of the country, ii) promotion of safety and welfare of its citizens; iii) protection of security and interests of its citizens even when they are residing in any other country; iv) protection of dignity and sentiments of people of Indian origin throughout the world; and v) promoting good relations with all other countries to enhance trade and cultural, educational and scientific exchanges. Foreign policy of any country is shaped of multiple internal and external factors. The main internal factors influencing the foreign policy are: 1) size, geographical elements and population, 2) its history, culture and liberation and reformation struggles, 3) national capacity in terms of economic development, technological progress including spread of information technology and military preparedness, 4) social structure and form of the government, and 5) influence of ideologies and personality of leadership in command. At the same time, external factors such as existing structure of world politics and military strength of other countries shape the options and opportunities in the foreign policy making. These factors together work as pull and push elements and their fine-tuning or balancing produces the final print of a country’s foreign policy.
Bandyopadhyaya, J, The Making of India’s Foreign Policy, Allied Publishers Pvt Lmd, 2003, New Delhi Bandyopadhyaya, J, North Over South: A Non-Western Perspective of International Relations, South Asians, 1982, New Delhi Brecher, Miachel, India and World Politics: Krishna Menon’s View of the World, OUP, 1968, London
Unit Structure : 2.0 Objective 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Let us sum up 2.3 Unit end questions 2.4 Reference
Foreign policy is formulated through a chain of factors that contribute and shape its agenda. We will discuss the institutions and processes that are mainly responsible for foreign policy making. A constant interaction among many institutions results in prioritizing issues in the foreign policy, even though in a country like India powerful leadership always plays key role in decision-making with regard to external affairs. In this chapter, we will look into these factors that are instrumental in foreign policy formulations.
Process of decision making at various levels plays important role in foreign policy’s formulation as well as execution. According to J. Bandyopadhyaya, “The rationality or otherwise of a political party depends upon the nature and extent of articulate public opinion and the manner of its expression, the institutions of the political parties concerned with foreign policy, pressure groups, Parliament, the Foreign Office, the Foreign Minister and finally the Cabinet.” We can divide the institutions involved in the foreign policy formulations in two broad categories; informal institutions and formal institutions. The first group is comprised of ruling elite in the country, broader public opinion and pressure groups etc. The formal institutions include the Cabinet, Parliament, Political Parties etc.
Ruling Elite: The ruling elite play important role in formulation of foreign policy’s goals and priorities. Their perceptions of domestic and foreign milieu and challenges persisting therein have important place in determining the course of country’s external relations. It is well known that India’s foreign policy was result of Jawaharlal Nehru’s world outlook and his passions for peace and equality for the entire human being. Even though Nehru’s views on foreign matters were mostly unchallenged for almost two decades after independence, he himself sought wise council of number of people such as Krishna Menon, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad, Dr. Radha Krishnan, K. M. Pannikar, Swarn Singh etc. This elite coterie was instrumental in laying down the foundations of independent India’s foreign policy in initial years. In the years ahead, few more scholar- politicians/bureaucrats joined this club, for example, Indira Gandhi, T. N. Kaul, D.P. Dhar, P. N. Haksar, Rajiv Gandhi, J. N. Dixit, Brajesh Mishra, Hamid Ansari, I. K. Gujaral, Jaswant Singh, AtalBihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh. Public Opinion: In a democratic and republic country like India, the sovereignty rests with the people. Therefore, in all the policies of the government, whether domestic or related to external affairs, people’s opinion and aspirations must found expressions. However, in a huge country like India, where poverty and illiteracy is widespread, common people do not take much interest in issues related with country’s international relations as compared to their interests and demands in internal policies. They show interest in country’s foreign policy only at the time of war or international crisis. The high level of illiteracy, accompanied by lack of means of communications, proved to be a major hindrance in people getting educated about nitty-gritty of international politics and foreign policy making. Thus, people’s involvement in country’s foreign policy is limited itself due to their interests and needs. Despite such a limited interest of people in the foreign policy, their moral outlook and principles of domestic politics reflect in their choices when it comes to taking stand on issues like racism, imperialism, terrorism and wars. Pressure Groups: Unlike in western democracies, particularly in the United States, various pressure groups play less influential role in formulation and determination of foreign policy in India. However, of late, few of the pressure groups have begun to impart considerable influence in the policy circles. They include the business bodies, arms agents and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). In recent years, investment by Indian industrialist groups has increased considerably in countries of Africa, Southeast Asia and West Asia, along with their increased cooperation with multinational companies from developed countries. Today, business interests of Indian companies form an important part of India’s foreign policy, particularly with regard to African countries, Nepal, Myanmar as