1:-

an essay on foreign policy requires a thorough understanding of Geography, Politics and History of inter
state relationship. Economic and trade relationship are also important now a days.

For instance, if we have to write about India China relationship, we will have to understand how the
relationship was during Indian Independence and how it has evolved over time. What resources India has
what China has. Then mutual Military, Trade, Security, Strategic, Global engagement needs to be
understood. We also need to foresee how the policies of Major nations could affect India-China
relationship.

In total, foreign policies have become complex & dynamic of late due to multiple poles of power, fast
communication networks, Globalization and of course individual state`s aspirations. So a seemingly good
relationship between two nation can hit a rough patch on a simple visa issue.

2:- Foreign policy analysis:-

Foreign policy analysis (FPA) is a branch of political science dealing with theory development and empirical study
regarding the processes and outcomes of foreign policy.
Foreign policy analysis is the study of the management of external relations and activities of state. Foreign
policy involves goals, strategies, measures, methods, guidelines, directives, agreements, and so on. National
governments may conduct international relations not only with other nation-states but also with international
organizations and non-governmental organizations.[1]
Managing foreign relations need carefully considered plans of actions that are adapted to foreign interests and
concerns of the government.
Foreign policy analysis involves the study of how a state makes foreign policy. As it analyzes the decision making
process, FPA involves the study of both international and domestic politics. FPA also draws upon the study
of diplomacy, war, intergovernmental organizations, and economic sanctions, each of which are means by which a
state may implement foreign policy. In academia, foreign policy analysis is most commonly taught within the
discipline of public policy within political science or political studies, and the study of international relations. FPA can
also be considered a sub-field of the study of international relations, which aims to understand the processes behind
foreign policy decision making. The most prominent scholars in this field of study include Richard Snyder, James
Rosenau, Alexander George, Graham Allison and Irving Janis.[2]
According to foreignpolicyanalysis.org, "As a field of study, foreign policy analysis is characterized by its actor-
specific focus. In the simplest terms, it is the study of the process, effects, causes, or outputs of foreign policy
decision-making in either a comparative or case-specific manner. The underlying and often implicit argument
theorizes that human beings, acting as a group or within a group, compose and cause change in international
politics."[3] In other words, Foreign Policy Analysis can be understood as a critique of the dominant sturcturalist
approaches in international relations.

Stages in decision making[edit]

The making of foreign policy involves a number of stages:

Assessment of the international and domestic political environment - Foreign policy is made and
implemented within an international and domestic political context, which must be understood by a state in order
to determine the best foreign policy option. For example, a state may need to respond to an international crisis.
Goal setting - A state has multiple foreign policy goals. A state must determine which goal is affected by the
international and domestic political environment at any given time. In addition, foreign policy goals may conflict,
which will require the state to prioritize.
Determination of policy options - A state must then determine what policy options are available to meet the
goal or goals set in light of the political environment. This will involve an assessment of the state's capacity
implement policy options and an assessment of the consequences of each policy option.
Formal decision making action - A formal foreign policy decision will be taken at some level within a
government. Foreign policy decisions are usually made by the executive branch of government. Common
 governmental actors or institutions which make foreign policy decisions include: the head of state (such as
a president) or head of government(such as a prime minister), cabinet, or minister.
Implementation of chosen policy option - Once a foreign policy option has been chosen, and a formal
decision has been made, then the policy must be implemented. Foreign policy is most commonly implemented
by specialist foreign policy arms of the state bureaucracy, such as a Ministry of Foreign Affairs or State
Department. Other departments may also have a role in implementing foreign policy, such as departments
for: trade, defence, and aid.

Decision-making process

Decision making is the process of making choices by identifying a decision, gathering information, and
assessing alternative resolutions.

Using a step-by-step decision-making process can help you make more deliberate, thoughtful decisions by
organizing relevant information and defining alternatives. This approach increases the chances that you will
choose the most satisfying alternative possible.
Download the PDF
Step 1: Identify the decision
You realize that you need to make a decision. Try to clearly define the nature of the decision you must make.
This first step is very important.
Step 2: Gather relevant information
Collect some pertinent information before you make your decision: what information is needed, the best
sources of information, and how to get it. This step involves both internal and external work. Some information
is internal: youll seek it through a process of self-assessment. Other information is external: youll find it online,
in books, from other people, and from other sources.
Step 3: Identify the alternatives
As you collect information, you will probably identify several possible paths of action, or alternatives. You can
also use your imagination and additional information to construct new alternatives. In this step, you will list all
possible and desirable alternatives.
Step 4: Weigh the evidence
Draw on your information and emotions to imagine what it would be like if you carried out each of the
alternatives to the end. Evaluate whether the need identified in Step 1 would be met or resolved through the
use of each alternative. As you go through this difficult internal process, youll begin to favor certain
alternatives: those that seem to have a higher potential for reaching your goal. Finally, place the alternatives in
a priority order, based upon your own value system.
Step 5: Choose among alternatives
Once you have weighed all the evidence, you are ready to select the alternative that seems to be best one for
you. You may even choose a combination of alternatives. Your choice in Step 5 may very likely be the same or
similar to the alternative you placed at the top of your list at the end of Step 4.
Step 6: Take action
Youre now ready to take some positive action by beginning to implement the alternative you chose in Step 5.
Step 7: Review your decision & its consequences
In this final step, consider the results of your decision and evaluate whether or not it has resolved the need you
identified in Step 1. If the decision has not met the identified need, you may want to repeat certain steps of the
process to make a new decision. For example, you might want to gather more detailed or somewhat different
information or explore additional alternatives.

The factors affecting the foreign policy of a country are:

1. Domestic factors: conditions at home affect the way you behave in outside world. The pressing
issues at home many times decide the foreign policy. For instance, a country dependent on oil
imports would maintain better relations with oil exporting countries.
2. Historical factors: country's history to a great extent decide its present foreign policy. India-
Pakistan relations suffer due tumultuous historical incidents. Similarly, India and Iran share
good relations due to their joint history.
3. Neighbors: the type of neighbors one has affects the type of foreign policy a country will
pursue. India has 2 nuclear armed hostile neighbors; this has a huge affect on its foreign policy.
4. Economics: economic conditions also play a huge role in foreign affairs. India as a rising
economic power is being wooed by several countries. Some like Mexico with whom we have
hitherto have not had any major engagement.
5. Policy of other States: Foreign policy need not always be pro active it may even be reactive. If
other countries take interest in you or is hostile to you then necessary steps need to be
undertaken. For instance, India is making efforts to better relations with Vietnam, a country
worried about increased Chinese influence.
6. Political leaders: political leaders often affect the foreign policy. Under Nehru, India had
NAM, because of George Bush support Indo-US relations improved and due to Maoist leadership
im Nepal Indo-Nepalese relations suffered.
I hope this answers your question.
3.6k Views Answer requested by
No foreign policy - no matter how ingenious - has any chance of success if it is born in the
minds of a few and carried in the hearts of none. by Henry A. Kissinger
Foreign policy of a state can be summed up as the calculated strategy to secure its national interest and
well thought out response to international events.

There are two major factors which shape foreign policy of a country or state (Political Science Term for a
country)

I. 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

II. External Factors.

It will cover International Order. For example during Cold War 19451991 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 ones favor.
1.5k Views 2 Upvotes
Upvote2 Downvote
Share

RecommendedAll

Hifza Shaheen, B.S International Relations, LCWU Lahore College for Women University (2017)
Answered Jul 27, 2016
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.
v

What role do bureaucrats play in policy making, be it domestic policies or foreign policies?

Umesh Kumar Mahilani, 3+ years in Ministry of Power

Answered Nov 13, 2015 Upvoted by Hifza Shaheen
I would like to start by pointing out a theoretical but yet relevant fact that as per the traditional
public policy approach and since the inception of modern public administration with the Woodrow
Wilson's essay "Study of Administration" and his "Politics-Administration dichotomy" , the Policy making
, whether its domestic or Foreign ,rests with the Political heads while Bureaucrats are responsible for the
Implementation part , in general , and whatever role they play in Policy making is limited to the providing
of inputs , 3F (Free , Frank and , Fair ) and 3 As (aid , Advice and Assistance ) etc. ;-) :-)

Although with due little relevance , whatever remaining of the above formal lines, at present times and
especially in context to Indian Administration , the fact is that Bureaucracy has its lions share when it
comes to Policy making and Implementation both. No doubt , the Political masters headed by the PM and
Senior Ministers in Cabinet provides the direction of sailing but when , how and with what to sail through
is largely formulated/guided/decided by the Senior Bureaucrats.

In case of Central Government , the Bureaucrats in Staff Agencies (PMO , Ministries, Departments , Niti
Aayog ) plays the main role in Policy Making by getting due policy inputs from Line Agencies (Central
Thinktanks , Attached bodies , Statutory Bodies , Executing Agencies ) and the State Governments.
At the level of Ministries the main roles rests with Secretaries , Spl/Additional Secy(s) and Joint
Secretaries(JS) [ while some Directors and below ranks officers also playing significant roles in many
cases , especially when r bold and intelligent enough while being from AIS and IES etc / Exceptions m b
there when ppl r Technocrats or Discipline Experts too ]. While proving the inputs in
Central Policy Making , the major role is limited to Chief Secretaries and Principle Secy(S) and
Departmental Secretaries only.

In case of foreign Policy too , while the major role is played by the ForeignMinistry , their is significant
contributions from Joint Secretaries and Above (Directors and below too in exceptional and unique cases)
from different Ministries , especially in cases of bilateral and multilateral cooperation etc pertaining to
specific sectors eg Energy , Environment etc. Many a times PMO , Individual Ministries , Departments
and Attached/Statutory Bodies even tend to sideline and almost bypass the Directors and even Joint
Secretaries of ForeignMinistries in these kind of engagements.

I would say , if i may say so , that the role of Legislature in Policy making and Implementation has been
comparatively very less and is limited to directing/suggesting/scrutinizing/ influencing through
criticizing the Executive (Political Masters) wrt to specific Policies and their Implementations.( In fact
this too has been rare now a days due to the Parliamentary logjams and lean and weak staff and low
capacity building of Parliamentary Committees and their Secretariat

What is the necessity of a country's foreign policy? How does it benefit the country in various
dimensions?
Shahid Hussain Raja, www.shahidhussainraja.com
Updated Dec 23
Improving the quality of life of its citizens is the prime objective of any state. Quality of life depends upon
and consists of several things ranging from protection from external aggression, ensuring law and order,
improving standards of living and creating harmony among different sections of the people. For this
purpose, a state formulates several national policies. Foreign policy is one component of this set of
national policies.

A countrys foreign policy can be defined as the strategies chosen by it to safeguard its national interests
and to achieve its goals by interacting with other countries and with non-state actors. It is a dynamic
process and reflects the current world view of a nations policy making elite. This world view is in turn
shaped by a countrys geostrategic and geo-economic compulsions, national ethos and historical moorings
for the pursuit of its national interest.

Foreign policy of a country is basically an extension of its domestic policies, rather the other side of the
same coin and as such aims to achieve the same objectives as ware set for the other policies for the pursuit
of national interest. Although different from country to country and from time to time, the framework for
the determination of the national interest of a country is fairly simple. Basically, it consists of four
interrelated and interdependent propositions;

1. Territorial Integrity and National Sovereignty: The first component of a countrys

national interest is to maintain its territorial integrity by being able to defend itself from any
external aggression. Related to the above is the preservation of its sovereignty in the sense that
the state is able to take all the decisions without being under duress or command of outside
forces.
2. Economic Well-being of the People: States exist to ensure wellbeing of their citizens.
Ensuring decent standard of living is an essential part of this wellbeing. A state which cannot
provide people with goods and services needed by the people loses its legitimacy which may
create existential threat for the state itself. History is replete with instances of states breaking
due to economic shortfalls. After all, one of the main reasons for the breakup of former state of
USSR is this inability of the state to provide its citizens with the basic goods of daily use.
3. Internal Cohesion and Harmony: With few exceptions, all modern nation states are multi
ethnic entities in which the different communities compete for the scarce resources. This is a
healthy competition if it remains confined within the constitutional limits. However, if some
groups cross those boundaries, it may weaken the very foundations of the state and create
existential threat for the country. Thus the national interest of the country lies in containing that
unrest.
4. Regional Peace and stability: No country howsoever powerful may be, can live in peace and
enjoy prosperity if there is turmoil just outside its borders. If nothing else, civil war in a
neighboring country results in the influx of refugees with attendant consequences. It may also
result in internal turmoil if a section of the population starts taking part in that external conflict,
crises or war on the basis of ethnic affinity or religious feelings. It is therefore part of the national
interest of a country to ensure that there is peace and stability in the region where it is located or
have vital interests
As a part of overall national policy, the foreign policy of a country strives to achieve the objectives set to
safeguard its national interest described above. For example, in order to ensure its territorial integrity and
preserve its national sovereignty, a state must have a well-trained and well equipped defense forces as well
as its own defence armaments capability. As such, one of the prime objectives of the foreign policy would
be to cultivate friendly relations with those countries who are capable of meeting its need for requisite
military equipment. At the same time, it should have at least one permanent member of the Security
Council and good number of other countries on its side to help it in case of external aggression.
Coming to the second component of national interest of improving the standard of living of its citizens, a
state must have a vibrant economy growing at a reasonable rate for which it needs access
to foreign markets not only to ensure un-interrupted supply of essential resources including technology
but also to sell its exportable surplus at competitive rates. Only a vibrant foreign policy can help a country
to achieve this objective. It not only helps its exporters in getting the best deal for their exportable surplus
in maximum number of markets but also enables a country to get foreign assistance and foreign direct
investment, so essential for meeting resource requirements and technological modernisation.

Before concluding I must stress that the success or failure of a countrys foreign policy is dependent upon
several factors and is result of joint efforts of those who formulate the foreign policy and those who
execute it i.e., foreign office. Like all other policies, it is the prerogative of the legislature of a country to
formulate the foreign policy of the country. Foreign office is just the marketing department of a country
although its inputs are extremely invaluable for the legislative branch in this respect. It cannot convert the
domestic failures of a country into foreign policy success by any stretch of imagination. No way.
273 Views 7 Upvotes
Upvote7 Downvote