Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Foreign policy, at its core, is a state’s set of goals and strategies for interacting with other actors in the international system. While domestic factors like national interests, political ideology, and economic conditions significantly shape a nation’s external behaviour, these are often mediated and constrained by external determinants. These external forces, encompassing the global distribution of power, regional dynamics, and the actions of other states and non-state actors, profoundly influence the choices available to policymakers. The recent shift in US foreign policy under the Biden administration, prioritizing alliances and multilateralism after a period of ‘America First’, exemplifies how changes in the international environment can necessitate adjustments in a state’s approach to the world.
Categorizing External Determinants
External determinants of foreign policy can be broadly categorized into three levels: systemic, regional, and global.
1. Systemic Level Determinants
These relate to the overall structure of the international system.
- Distribution of Power: The presence of a unipolar, bipolar, or multipolar system significantly impacts a state’s foreign policy. During the Cold War (1947-1991), the bipolar structure dictated much of the foreign policy of states aligned with either the US or the Soviet Union.
- Balance of Power: States constantly assess the balance of power and adjust their policies to maintain or alter it. India’s ‘Look East’ policy (later ‘Act East’) was partly a response to the rising power of China in the region.
- International Law and Norms: While often violated, international law and norms (e.g., sovereignty, non-intervention) constrain state behaviour. The principle of territorial integrity, enshrined in the UN Charter, influences how states respond to secessionist movements.
2. Regional Level Determinants
These factors stem from the specific geographic region in which a state is located.
- Geographical Proximity: Neighbourhood influences foreign policy. India’s historically complex relationship with Pakistan and China is a direct consequence of geographical proximity and shared borders.
- Regional Organizations: Membership in regional organizations (e.g., ASEAN, EU, SAARC) shapes a state’s foreign policy agenda and provides platforms for cooperation and conflict resolution. India’s engagement with SAARC, despite its limitations, reflects the importance of regional cooperation.
- Regional Conflicts and Rivalries: Ongoing conflicts and rivalries in a region can force states to take sides or adopt defensive postures. The ongoing conflict in Yemen has significantly impacted Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy, leading to increased military spending and interventionist policies.
- Transnational Threats: Issues like terrorism, climate change, and pandemics transcend national borders and require regional cooperation. The rise of ISIS led to increased security cooperation between countries in the Middle East and beyond.
3. Global Level Determinants
These are forces that operate across the entire international system.
- Global Economic Conditions: Economic interdependence and globalization constrain state behaviour. The 2008 financial crisis demonstrated the interconnectedness of the global economy and the limitations of national responses.
- International Institutions: Organizations like the UN, WTO, IMF, and World Bank influence state policies through lending, trade regulations, and dispute resolution mechanisms. India’s economic reforms in the 1990s were partly influenced by IMF conditionalities.
- Non-State Actors: Multinational corporations (MNCs), NGOs, and transnational advocacy groups exert increasing influence on foreign policy. The lobbying efforts of environmental NGOs have influenced climate change negotiations.
- Public Opinion: While often overlooked, global public opinion can constrain state behaviour, particularly in democracies. International condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine influenced some states to impose sanctions.
Interplay of Determinants
It’s crucial to understand that these determinants are not mutually exclusive; they often interact and reinforce each other. For example, the rise of China (systemic) is impacting regional dynamics in Asia (regional) and influencing global economic governance (global). Similarly, the threat of climate change (global) is driving regional cooperation on environmental issues (regional) and prompting states to adopt more sustainable policies (systemic).
| Determinant Level | Example | Impact on Foreign Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Systemic | US-China rivalry | Increased strategic competition, alliance building, and economic decoupling. |
| Regional | South China Sea disputes | Increased military presence, diplomatic tensions, and regional security concerns. |
| Global | COVID-19 Pandemic | Focus on health security, vaccine diplomacy, and supply chain resilience. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the foreign policy of a state is not solely determined by internal factors. External determinants – encompassing the systemic structure of the international system, regional dynamics, and global forces – play a crucial role in shaping a state’s goals, strategies, and choices. Understanding the interplay of these determinants is essential for comprehending the complexities of international relations and predicting future trends. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and multipolar, the influence of external factors on foreign policy will only continue to grow, demanding a nuanced and adaptive approach from policymakers.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.