The Determinants of Foreign Policy of Nations in the Contemporary International System: An Analytical Overview

Abstract

This Paper examines the determinants of foreign policy of nations in the contemporary international system. The determinants of foreign policy can constrain or enable a nation to pursue its foreign policy objectives. The Paper maintains that foreign policy is a vehicle through which nations pursue their national interests and determinants of foreign policy of a nation is a function of its national power and capabilities, engendered by the core geostrategic, socio-economic, political ideals and values it projects from the domestic setting to external environment. The Paper further states that determinants of foreign policy are the core geostrategic, socio-economic, political ideals and values that influences the behavior of a nation in its interactions with other states and non-state actors in the international system. The Paper finds that the international system is a highly complex, fluid and competitive environment; And the determinants of foreign policy of nations activates their capability and capacity to respond to the challenges of the international system; the Paper also finds that in execution of foreign policy decisions no nation/state exercises perfect control of foreign policy dynamics; that foreign policy makers needs intelligent balancing of both internal and external elements that influences their nation’s foreign policy. The Paper recommends among others; that foreign policy elites ensure the determinants of foreign policy reconcile both its internal and external elements; that foreign policy makers should thoroughly understand determinants of a dynamic foreign policy; that foreign policy elites needs to improve on strategic thinking, analysis, and determined application of national interests.