FOREIGN POLICY

WHAT IS FOREIGN POLICY

Like many other concepts in the social sciences in
general and international relations in particular,
foreign policy does not have a universally-accepted
definition. In other words, the definition of the term,
'foreign policy' has been a subject of controversy. This
controversy sometimes arises from different
frameworks from which the subject is approached.
Hence, there are as many definitions and perspectives
on the subject as there are scholars, historians and
diplomats
According to Keith and Morrison (1977:12),
foreign policy may be defined as "as a set of
explicit objectives with regard to the world
beyond the borders of a given social unit, and a
set of strategies and tactics designed to achieve
those objectives
Joseph Frankel sees foreign policy as
"consists of decisions and actions
which involve to some appreciable
extent, relations between one state and
others.
Foreign policy can be conceived as the
actions of a state towards external
environment and conditions usually
domestic, under which these conditions are
formulated.
Foreign Policy has also been described as
the courses of action adopted by a nation in
the interest of the welfare of its people
 From the above definitions, three key components of
foreign policy are easily identifiable, one, the actions of a
state; two, national or domestic interests, which influence
these actions; and three, external or foreign environment
of a state to which these actions are directed. These three
components are clearly closely related and dependent on
each other. They act together and one influences the other.
It is from this perspective that the foreign policy of a state
evolves in the competitive international environment.
 Flowing from above discussions, foreign policy is here
defined as a set of principles and decisions, a plan of action
and a throughout course of action for conducting relations
with other nations and all international actors with a view to
securing the preferred and defined goals of her national
interest. Hence, foreign policy encapsulates those objectives
and goals which states pursue in a given relationship or
circumstance and the means and strategies of achieving
same in the international arena.
As earlier stated, foreign policy has no consensus
definition. There are as many definitions and
perspectives as there are scholars and practitioners in
the field. One major reason for this is because of the
amorphous and complex nature of the subject.
Foreign policy can however be defined as the
combination of rules, regulations and principles
through which an independent state establish
relationship with other states. Put differently, foreign
policy involves the implementation of a group of
principles which shape the behavior pattern of a state
while negotiating with other states to protect or further
its interest.
One of the problems confronting the study of
foreign policy is the very nature of the subject
matter itself. Foreign policy is dynamic,
unstable and ever-changing. This is so because
there is no single principle that keeps it static.
Rather, it changes from time to time and in
according to the fluctuating interests of the state.
Hence, states sometimes formulate offensive
foreign policy and at other time, defensive
foreign policy.
In addition to this, the dynamic nature
of foreign policies of states is a result
of the constant change in the structure
of the international system.
If foreign policy entails the totality of ‘interactions
and engagements across national boundaries, without
any doubt this is a wide area for an objective analysis.
An objective analysis of foreign policy would take
into consideration wider issues ranging from political,
economic, cultural and technology. From this
perspective, a multi- disciplinary approach is also
needed for analysis
Also, in order to have a complete picture of the
foreign policy of a country, one may need to
understand the nature and dynamics of the
relationship of the country under study with
other countries in the international system.
WHAT IS FOREIGN POLICY MAKING?
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 priorities.
• 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 to 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, defense, and aid.
Thank you