Foreign policy is the plan of each country under which nations fulfill their interests and needs.
The foreign policy of a nation is capable of determining the mutual relationship between the two nations. For example – which nation has good relations with it and which one does not have.
Every nation establishes international relations based on its foreign policy and it follows these policies in any case even if that nation has to resort to diplomacy.
What is Foreign Policy
Foreign Policy is a means of the development of all nations, a means by which they fulfill their interests. It also determines international politics and plays an important role in formulating the plan for its implementation.
In this, the states make their foreign policy according to the policies and ideologies of other states, so that adjustment can be established in their interests and policies of other nations.
Foreign policy is a combination of international politics, international relations and international sentiments, it serves to pave the way for the nations.
So that they can easily fulfill their interests by reconciling with the policies and ideologies of other countries.
In view of the present complexity among nations, a sense of coziness and friendship must be manifested in foreign policy strategies.
The development of a country takes place at the same level or speed as the quality of its foreign policy.
The general meaning of foreign policy is to outline the plan of trade rules, political relations, economic relations and social relations with other countries.
Determinants of foreign policy
The elements included in the ‘determining elements’ of foreign policy are as follows:
1. Population
For a nation, the decrease or increase in its population proves to be helpful and also a hindrance in its policy-making procedure.
If a nation’s GDP or per capita income is normal even after its population is high, then it will be considered beneficial for a Nation – like India and China.
Both China and India are big markets for the world, other countries invest their capital here, which benefits both countries by increasing economic activity. In such a situation, the foreign policy of large market countries is highly successful.
2. Area of land
The geographical location of a country serves to strengthen it. For example, Russia is the country with the largest geographical area in the world. Its geographical area is 1,80,65,700 km2.
We all know that Russia is one of the most powerful countries in the world after America. Having a strong geographical area helps and strengthens it in the implementation of the foreign policy of that nation.
3. Popularity of Leadership
The popularity of a nation creates huge public opinion for it, all nations often try to keep good relations with such a leader because, in such a situation, their popularity also increases.
In countries whose leaders are very popular, the world opinion of such leaders is very high, and such leaders influence the world with their ideas and strategies.
4. Economic and military powers
The success of a country’s foreign policy also depends on how much its economic and military power is, that is, the country that develops as much as its policy or its orders are followed in all manner.
For example, America is seen as the most developed country in the world and most of the nations follow its decisions, there are only a few nations that try to oppose it.
5. Industrial, technical, and scientific level
The economic development of a nation takes place only when the industrial, technical and scientific level of that nation is of a high order.
Countries that are strong in all three forms are often approached for help by other countries, consequently, they can implement their foreign policy in effective ways.
6. Natural Resources
The countries which have rich natural resources and reserves of natural resources are placed under this category. Natural resources include things like coal, minerals, gold, silver, petrol etc.
The countries which have more quantity of all these things are very strong financially and all countries want to establish friendly relations with such countries.
Saudi Arabia and UAE have great oil reserves, we can see their power by looking at their economic condition.
Makers of foreign policy
The success and failure of foreign policy also depend on the ‘skill and experience of the policymakers. As high intellectuals and experienced people participate in policy making the success of such policy be predicted as more.
However, if the policy is made by inexperienced and unintelligent persons, then the possibility of policy failure increases. Therefore, while making foreign policy, it becomes very important to see the qualifications of the persons who are drafting these policies.
Aims
Security of the Nation – The main goal of foreign policy is to protect the nation. While formulating foreign policy, it is kept in mind, that its structure should be made in such a way that the nation does not face danger in the future.
Economic benefits – Foreign policy is often made by the nation to earn profit. Its construction framework is designed in such a way that it can fulfill the interests of all other countries.
The Non-Aligned Movement is an example of foreign policy during the Cold War.
National interest – The main goal of foreign policy is to fulfill the national interest and the needs of the nation. Foreign policy is formulated in such a way that national interests are served.
Foreign policy is the weapon of every nation by which countries fulfill their needs without fighting a war.
