Topic: Foreign Policy:

What is Foreign Policy?

Definition: It is a collection of different policies, policymakers, think tanks, goals and objectives,
strategies, and actions that a state performs to pursue its national interest by establishing or
maintaining with other states accordingly. Foreign policy is not one single policy as in security policy, or
environmental policy. It is more of a collective, integrated, holistic, organic policy.

Nature: It is purposive in nature, rational, and interest centered. By purposive means it streamlines with
the purpose/objective. In other words, it is limited in scope and only purpose centric. It obeys national
interest. One cannot expect a foreign minister to release a statement on the Ukraine War or Palestine
War.

 Foreign policy refers to a government's strategies, actions, and relationships with other nations
to safeguard its interests and promote its objectives on the global stage.

- The concept of the state gained prominence after World War I, particularly with the
establishment of the League of Nations in 1919.

- Adam Smith, known as the Father of Economics, emphasized the importance of economic self-
interest, advocating for cooperation among nations rather than territorial expansion.

- Wars, including World War I, were often driven by conflicts over resources and territorial
expansion through empire systems.

- The League of Nations aimed to prevent future wars by promoting respect for territorial
boundaries and sovereignty.

- Colonialism involves capturing resources, while imperialism entails making territories politically
dependent.

- Post-World War II, the state concept was further promoted, replacing empire systems with
respect for territorial boundaries.
 - India and Pakistan gained independence in 1947, signaling the end of colonial rule in many
parts of the world.

- The philosophy of economic interdependence, advocated by thinkers like Decal do, promotes
free trade and cooperation between states.

- This model, known as liberalism, contrasts with the dependency model of neo-liberalism.

- Foreign policy outlines a state's strategies, objectives, and tools for managing relations with
other states, influenced by models like realism and cooperation.

- Realism, championed by Machiavelli and Hans J. Morgenthau, views conflict as inevitable due
to human nature.

- The United Nations was established after World War II, with the central idea of promoting
national interest as the driving force behind state actions.

Objectives of Foreign Policy

1. National Interest:

- Priority: Economic strength and political stability.

- Historical context: Initially focused on security due to hostile relations, now shifting towards
economy.

- Importance of economy: Essential for security, controlling prices, and internal stability.

- Example: Security prioritized post-independence due to conflicts with India.

2. Sovereignty and Integrity:

- Objective: Maintain territorial integrity and prevent ideological or physical breaches.

- Importance: Integrating diverse regions and cultures to discourage disintegration movements.

- Examples: Preventing physical breaches like missile attacks and ideological breaches like
criticism of national ideology.
3. National Prestige:

- Goal: Portray a positive international image through soft power, economic strength, and
adherence to moral and legal standards.

- Influence of soft power: Strengthens influence on others and enhances reputation.

- Examples: Japanese dignity, German pride, American assertiveness, UK values.

4. National Security:

- Types: Traditional (military threat) and non-traditional (e.g., pandemics, environmental

disasters).

- Objective: Protect state's security interests through international cooperation.

- Example: Addressing non-security issues like environmental threats through international

alliances and agreements.

5. Maintaining World Order:

- Definition: Agreement among major world powers on global agendas.

- Examples: Global War on Terror, support for women's rights.

- Influence: Core countries shape world order based on economic, military, and technological
power.

- Role of countries: Core countries develop alliances to impose world order, while periphery
countries implement it.

Explanation: These objectives outline the core principles and goals of foreign policy. They emphasize
the importance of safeguarding national interests, preserving sovereignty, enhancing prestige, ensuring
security, and contributing to global stability through the maintenance of world order. Each objective
serves as a guiding principle for shaping diplomatic strategies and interactions on the international
stage.
Tools Of Foreign Policy
1. Peace and Conflict:

- Approach: Utilized to achieve foreign policy objectives, such as sovereignty.

- Example: Pakistan's response to India's attack, combining conflict and dialogue in the Kashmir
issue.

- It is a tool to portray good image of a country. For instance, India is portraying continuing
democracy in the world, liberalism, and international narratives just to increase its respect in
the globe. Some countries do publicity through media, for instance, programs running on
media that the USA is working on technology, etc. A state does propaganda against the other
country. India does propaganda against Pakistan as a brutal and terrorist country. and a tool to
damage the prestige and respect of the other country

2. Diplomacy:

- Role: Communication channel with other states, conducted through various diplomatic
channels.

- Example: Ambassadors promoting economic interests by inviting foreign investment.

- It is an official tool in which embassies work as a State official through its ambassador.
Ambassadors are state representatives. They look into the matters of the citizens of their state
in the foreign state as well as deliver the message or stance of its home state. Prime Ministers
and Foreign Ministers visit other countries where they are deemed as the highest and most
respectable diplomates. Official talks and agreements are done by diplomats on behalf of their
home state.

3. Economic Tools:

- Trend: Debt financing, where rich countries invest in poor countries through loans.

- Example: Pakistan's dependency on loans from Saudi Arabia influencing its diplomatic stance
on Kashmir.
 - It is an investment in the poor countries by the rich countries. It deals with the FP of poor
countries by financial means. Saudia promised to give 7 million dollars to Pakistan for
agriculture purposes and others.

4. Publicity and Propaganda:

- Strategy: Used in the modern era as the 6th generation warfare.

- Example: India's propaganda against Pakistan to undermine its credibility and prestige.

- It is a tool to portray good image of a country. For instance, India is portraying continuing
democracy in the world, liberalism, and international narratives just to increase its respect in
the globe. Some countries do publicity through media, for instance, programs running on
media that the USA is working on technology, etc.

- A state does propaganda against the other country. India does propaganda against Pakistan as
a brutal and terrorist country. and a tool to damage the prestige and respect of the other
country

5. Lobbies and Alliances:

- Influence: Powerful lobbies paid by states to increase influence or hinder adversaries.

- Example: Strong Israeli lobby influencing policies, particularly in the Middle East.

6. Balance of Power:

- Principles: Securitization and deterrence to maintain equilibrium in power dynamics.

- Example: Pakistan's nuclear capability serving as deterrence, establishing a balance of power in the
region.

Explanation: These tools are instrumental in shaping foreign policy strategies and achieving national
objectives. They encompass a range of tactics, from diplomatic negotiations to economic leverage and
psychological warfare. Understanding and effectively utilizing these tools are crucial for states to
navigate the complexities of international relations and safeguard their interests on the global stage.
Determinants Of Foreign Policy

Of many countries globally, only a few influential countries contribute to international matters and are
also heard. It happens because these influential countries have a strong foreign policy. The state's
foreign policy will be considered good loud and clear like crystal if the determinants are strong. There
are two types of determinants for foreign policy: internal and external. Let's discuss them one by one.

1-Internal Determinants
2-External Determinants

Internal Determinants
1. History
2. Geography size and location
3. Economic growth and development
4. leadership and ideology
5. Population
6. military power
7. media and think tanks
8. quality of diplomacy
9. Natural resources
10. Science and technology
11. Good governance and stability

We have placed internal determinants first in this document for a reason. These play a very crucial role
and are immunity for any state's foreign policy.

1- History
- In foreign policy, both history between the nations, and The History of the nation are equally
important as they play the main role in building a country’s reputation worldwide. Now let's
see why is that so. For instance, we can take the example of England. The History of England is
quite strong it has given the world a lot. From language to bureaucracy, many things have been
adopted by the world from England. Pakistan and even America including many
commonwealth countries have England’s influence.
- For making foreign policy we first see the national interest and then the history of the country
we are forming foreign policy for.
- Between the nation: The history between nations profoundly shapes their relationships and
foreign policy decisions. Historical events such as wars, treaties, alliances, and cultural
exchanges leave lasting impressions that influence diplomatic interactions.
- Of the nation: The history of a nation encompasses its collective past, including key events,
cultural developments, economic changes, and societal transformations. It provides insights
 into a nation's identity, values, and aspirations. Understanding a nation's history involves
studying its founding, growth, and evolution over time, including significant milestones such as
wars, revolutions, political movements, and economic shifts.

- Example: When Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan visited Pakistan he addressed the joint
session of the Pakistani parliament while The Prince of KSA didn't address the joint sessions of
parliament. It is because KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) doesn't have a history of democracy.
That’s why we are better friends with Turkey than KSA because our history is similar and we are
homogenous states because we both follow modern democracy.

2- Geography (Size & Location)

- We have always heard that Pakistan has the best location on the globe and our geography is quite a
blessing for us which is true to some extent as we enjoy all seasons and have multiple varieties of
crops available. However, there is another side of the story too. (Sir recommended a book here
during the lecture Prisoner of Geography book) Geography is both our villain and hero and it is
because Pakistan’s foreign policy is indo-centric due to our geography. We got our biggest enemy
(India) at our east after partition. As we all know India wants to destroy Pakistan and merge it with
India. Moreover, the Soviet Union wants to occupy Gwadar in Balochistan. The tragedy doesn't end
here, Afghanistan is not accepting the Durand line agreement. So in short half of our neighbors
aren’t respecting our sovereignty and half are our enemies.

- How does that impact our foreign policy?

- To counter India we have to ask for American block so that we can get advanced technology
weapons which also affects our foreign policy

- Which country has the best geography location-wise?

- The geography of Turkey location-wise is the best because it is in the center of the world and has
the Black Sea in the north, the Mediterranean Sea in the south, Central Asia in the east, the Middle
East in east south, and Europe in the west. The Bosporus Sea connects the Mediterranean Sea with
the black sea. The total black sea region countries, Eastern Europe, and Russia are dependent on
Turkey for trade.

Due to all the above reasons turkey enjoys a great position in world politics.
- That is one of the reasons why Turkey is part of NATO
- Turkey was also part of the dialogue in the Doha agreement against the Taliban at Bagram airport.
- Turkey attacked PKK in Syria
- Turkey had banned the membership of Finland and Sweden in NATO but after they agreed on the
conditions of Turkey they were allowed.
- Which country has the best geography size-wise?
- According to Size Russian geography is the best.

- Geography is the Reason why Western governments like the USA are supporting Israel in the
genocide
- The West is controlling the Middle East through Israel and Israel has a good location because of the
swiss canal.
- Research about these
- Brics: Brasile Russia India China Southafrica (Emerging economies of the word)
- Great 7 France UK Canada Germany USA

3- Economic Growth & Development

- Economic growth and development play a crucial role as an internal determinant for any state's
foreign policy, as they:
1. Influence trade and investment decisions
2. Shape energy and resource security strategies
3. Inform economic cooperation and international agreements
4. Impact poverty reduction and social welfare policies
5. Drive technological innovation and industrial development

- Example
- China's rapid economic growth and development have significantly shaped its foreign policy:
1. Trade and investment: China's economic expansion has led to increased trade and investment
ties with countries like the US, EU, and ASEAN nations.
2. Energy security: China's growing energy demands have driven its foreign policy efforts to
secure energy supplies, invest in renewable energy, and promote energy cooperation with
countries like Russia and Saudi Arabia.
3. Economic cooperation: China's economic rise has led to increased participation in international
economic institutions like the WTO, IMF, and G20, and the establishment of the Asian
Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
4. Poverty reduction: China's economic growth has enabled significant poverty reduction efforts,
both domestically and through international development assistance programs.
5. Technological innovation: China's economic development has driven technological innovation,
particularly in sectors like renewable energy, high-speed rail, and digital technologies,
influencing its foreign policy priorities and partnerships.

- In contrast, a state with slower economic growth, like Japan, may prioritize:
1. Economic revitalization and structural reforms
2. Investment in emerging technologies and innovation
3. Strengthening trade relationships and economic partnerships
 4. Enhancing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability
5. Supporting international development and global economic governance
- Economic growth and development can significantly influence a state's foreign policy priorities,
relationships, and global influence. Effective management of economic development can bring
prosperity and global leadership, while neglecting or mismanaging it can lead to stagnation and
vulnerability.

4- Leadership & Ideology

- Leaders with a good ideology are assets for a nation. History has seen many such leaders who have
transformed the destiny of their nations. We all know that leaders like Mahathir Mohammed,
Nelson Mandela, Teyep Erdogan, and many others with their unique ideologies have given a lot to
their respective countries.

5- Population
- It can both weaken or strengthen the Foreign Policy. For example, India's population is increasing
customer potential for any investor which is a good thing for the country's economy which results in
strong foreign policy. However, the population is a pain too as it causes a shortage of resources
which is why the number of overseas people is increasing in Pakistan to the extent that a recent
shortage of passport papers has been reported this year twice.
- Overseas becomes the compulsion of the country at times like in the Saudia case as they were
threatening to send Pakistani overseas back. Keep in mind that only Laborers overseas are pain
Educated people and professionals on high jobs are not.

6- Military power
- Military power also plays a crucial role in a country's foreign policy and luckily we are second in the
strongest military in the Islamic world (turkey pakistan egypt Iran). Other countries with strong
militaries include China, Russia, and India.
- The Middle East always asked for help from Pakistan. Saudi government requested to provide
security in the Yemen war Our military also gave security in the FIFA World Cup.

7- Media and Think Tanks

- Media is the tool to improve national image internationally and the same goes with think tanks. The
main reasons why our foreign policy is damaged are our think tanks, especially politicians.
- Think Tans are influential people who are opinion makers and policy makers technocrats, politicians,
etc.
Quality of diplomacy
- Quality of diplomacy plays a crucial role as an internal determinant for any state's foreign policy.
Effective diplomacy can build trust and credibility, facilitate communication and understanding,
resolve conflicts peacefully, foster cooperation and alliances, promote national interests.

- Conversely, poor diplomacy can lead to, misunderstandings and miscalculations, strained relations
and conflicts, Isolation and diminished influence, missed opportunities and lost credibility.

- Example
- During the 2015 nuclear negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 (US, UK, France, Russia, China, and
Germany), skilled diplomacy played a key role in reaching a landmark agreement (JCPOA). The US
diplomatic team, led by Secretary of State John Kerry and Under Secretary Wendy Sherman,
engaged in intense, patient, and respectful negotiations with their Iranian counterparts. This quality
diplomacy helped:

1- Build trust and understanding

2- Address concerns and find creative solutions
3- Secure a deal that satisfied both sides' interests

- In contrast, poor diplomacy can lead to failed negotiations, strained relations, and even conflict, as
seen in other geopolitical instances.

8- Natural Resources
- Natural resources can
- Influence economic interests and development goals
- Shape energy and resource security strategies
- Impact environmental and climate policies
- Affect relationships with other resource-rich or resource-dependent states
- Inform geopolitical and strategic decisions

- Example
- Venezuela's vast oil reserves have significantly shaped its foreign policy

1. Economic interests: Oil exports drive Venezuela's economy, influencing its relationships with
major oil importers like the US, China, and India.
2. Energy security: Venezuela has used its oil wealth to maintain regional influence and secure
strategic alliances, such as with Cuba and Russia.
3. Environmental policies: Venezuela's reliance on oil has led to controversial environmental
policies, including opposition to climate change agreements and exploitation of sensitive
ecosystems.
 4. Geopolitical decisions: Venezuela's oil wealth has fueled its assertive foreign policy, including
support for leftist governments and anti-US rhetoric.

- In contrast, a state with limited natural resources, like Japan, may prioritize

1. Energy diversification and efficiency

2. Strategic partnerships for resource access
3. Environmental leadership and climate action
4. Economic cooperation and trade agreements

- Natural resources can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how they are managed and leveraged
in a state's foreign policy. Effective management can bring prosperity and influence, while
mismanagement can lead to conflict, environmental degradation, and economic instability.

9- Science & Technology

- Science and technology can be a powerful tool for states to enhance their global influence,
address global challenges, and promote national interests. Effective leveraging of science and
technology can bring significant benefits, while neglecting or mismanaging them can lead to
stagnation and vulnerability.
- Role of science and technology
- Drive economic growth and innovation
- Enhance military capabilities and defense strategies
- Inform environmental and climate policies
- Shape global governance and international cooperation
- Impact public health and pandemic responses
- Example:
- The United States' technological advancements and scientific leadership have significantly
influenced its foreign policy:
- Economic growth: The US tech industry drives economic growth, influencing trade policies and
relationships with countries like China.
- Military capabilities: The US military's technological superiority informs its defense strategies
and global security initiatives.
- Environmental policies: US scientific research and technological innovations inform its climate
change policies and international agreements.
- Global governance: The US plays a leading role in setting global tech standards and norms,
shaping international cooperation on issues like cybersecurity and data privacy.
- Public health: US scientific expertise and technological capabilities inform its global health
initiatives and pandemic responses, such as COVID-19 vaccine development and distribution.
10- Good Governance & Stability
- Good governance and stability play a crucial role as an internal determinant for any state's
foreign policy, as they:

 Influence political legitimacy and credibility

 Shape decision-making processes and policy implementation
 Impact economic development and investment attractiveness
 Affect social cohesion and conflict management
 Determine the effectiveness of institutions and rule of law

- Example:
- Singapore's good governance and stability have significantly shaped its foreign policy:
 Political legitimacy: Singapore's efficient and corruption-free government has earned
international respect, enabling effective diplomacy and global influence.
 Decision-making: Singapore's stable political environment allows for long-term planning
and strategic decision-making, informing its foreign policy priorities and partnerships.
 Economic development: Singapore's good governance and stability have attracted
significant foreign investment, driving economic growth and influencing its trade and
investment policies.
 Social cohesion: Singapore's multi-ethnic society is managed through effective
governance, promoting social harmony and informing its foreign policy approach to
conflict resolution and regional stability.
 Institutional effectiveness: Singapore's strong institutions and rule of law have enabled
effective implementation of foreign policy initiatives and international agreements.

- In contrast, a state with poor governance and instability, like Somalia, may face
 Political illegitimacy and international isolation
 Ineffective decision-making and policy implementation
 Economic underdevelopment and investment deterrence
 Social conflict and regional instability
 Weak institutions and inadequate rule of law

- Good governance and stability can significantly enhance a state's foreign policy effectiveness,
global influence, and national security. Effective governance can bring peace, prosperity, and
international respect, while poor governance can lead to instability, conflict, and international
marginalization.

EXTERNAL DETERMINANTS
1. international law
2. World public opinion
 3. Reaction of the state
4. Non state actors

External determinants for foreign policy refer to factors outside a state's borders that influence its
foreign policy decisions and actions. These determinants are important because they:

● Shape the global environment and opportunities

● Impact national security and interests
● Influence international relations and diplomacy
● Provide frameworks for cooperation and agreements
● Reflect global norms and values

By understanding and adapting to external determinants, states can effectively navigate the complex
global landscape, promote their interests, and contribute to international peace and stability.

1. International law
- International law serves as a crucial external determinant for foreign policy, so every country
should follow international law as it:
- Establishes norms and standards for state behavior
- Regulates state interactions and diplomatic relations
- Provides frameworks for international cooperation and agreements
- Sets boundaries and limits on state actions (e.g., human rights, use of force)
- Influences international institutions and organizations (e.g., UN, EU, WTO)

- International law shapes foreign policy by

- Informing decision-making and policy choices

- Constraining state actions and preventing conflicts
- Facilitating cooperation and multilateralism
- Providing legal frameworks for dispute resolution
- Promoting accountability and justice
- Note: In the Kashmir issue, Pakistan was trying to follow international law and India wanted to
go with bilateral resolve. However, their foreign policy remains un affected due to strong
internal determinants

2. World public opinion

- By considering world public opinion, states can enhance their global influence, build
international support, and promote a more peaceful and stable world order. It serves as a
significant external determinant for foreign policy, as it:
 - Influences a state's global reputation and soft power
- Shapes international perceptions of a state's actions and policies
- Can mobilize global support or opposition to a state's foreign policy initiatives
- Impacts a state's diplomatic efforts and international relations
- Reflects global values and norms, influencing a state's foreign policy decisions

- World public opinion can:

- Constrain a state's actions, as leaders consider the global backlash

- Encourage states to adopt more cooperative and multilateral approaches
- Influence international institutions and organizations' decisions
- Impact a state's economic and political interests
- Shape the global agenda and priority issues
- In palestine-israel issue the world public opinion in palestine issue supports palestine however
because of israel internal determinants they are standing against this and their foriegn policy is
still un affected. (Israel gharak hojaye Ameen)

3. Reaction of the state

The reaction of other states serves as a crucial external determinant for foreign policy, as it:
- Influences a state's foreign policy decisions and actions
- Shapes a state's international relations and diplomacy
- Impacts a state's national security and interests
- Can lead to cooperation, conflict, or competition
- Reflects the complex web of international relations and global dynamics
The reaction of other states can:
- Constrain a state's actions, as leaders consider potential responses
- Encourage states to adopt more cooperative and multilateral approaches
- Influence international institutions and organizations' decisions
- Impact a state's economic and political interests
- Shape the global agenda and priority issues
By considering the reactions of other states, foreign policymakers can:
- Anticipate and prepare for potential responses
- Build alliances and coalitions
- Mitigate conflicts and tensions
- Promote national interests and security
- Navigate the complex global landscape effectively

4. Non-state actors
Non-state actors (NSAs) serve as a significant external determinant for foreign policy, as they:
- Influence global issues and international relations
- Impact national security and interests
 - Shape public opinion and diplomatic efforts
- Engage in international decision-making and norm-setting
- Reflect global governance and power dynamics
Examples of NSAs include:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Multinational corporations (MNCs)
- International organizations (IOs)
- Terrorist organizations
- Cyber actors
NSAs can:
- Pressure governments to adopt certain policies
- Provide humanitarian aid and development assistance
- Promote human rights and advocacy
- Disrupt global security and stability
- Shape international trade and economic policies
By considering NSAs, foreign policymakers can:
- Address global challenges and issues
- Leverage partnerships and collaborations
- Mitigate security threats and risks
- Promote national interests and values
- Navigate the complex global landscape effectively.