Foreign Policy Formulation - Essay Example

?Topic:  Foreign Policy Formulation Introduction Gambia is the smallest country situated in African continent with an area span of 4,007 square miles. It is also one of the smallest nations in African continent in relation to population with 1.8 million. However it is the most densely populated country in West Africa. Gambia got independence in 1965 , and renamed the country to “The Gambia” to avoid the confusion with the country “Zambia”. Gambia is mainly surrounded by the country Senegal and it is one of the two countries surrounded by another. The river of the country called Gambia has been a bench mark for the country since it provides means for transportation and commodity provision. This river has given a unique identity for the country and it flows from west to east through the country and meets up with Atlantic Ocean. Gambia has historical ties with many other West African nations in the matter of slave trade. In 1816 British established a colony in Gambia .The first British settlement was termed as Bathurst, and it was known as the capital of the colony. It was in the year 1906, the slavery was completely abolished from the country. The economic policy of Gambia largely depended on the production and export of peanuts. Since Gambia was the smallest colony in British rule, it was ignored and remained underdeveloped in infrastructure, manpower and institutional capacity. 1 According to Mwakikagile (2010,pg17) “When the country won independence, it lagged behind in many critical areas and could not function as truly independent nation”. Gambia has always maintained a close relation with countries like United Kingdom, Senegal and other African countries. The country plays a significant role in the international affairs especially in case of West African and Islamic affairs .However the country has limited role to play when it came to western countries. Being a member of Economic Community of Western African States (ECOWAS), Gambia has contributed much to resolve the war in Liberia and sent troops to aid in war. It has also been a mediator in the dispute nearby Guinea-Bissau and the neighboring region of Senegal. The United Kingdom, China, Cuba, Libya, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leonia nod the Unites State of America have embassies in Gambia. In 2005, Gambia accepted its willingness to establish full diplomatic relation with Turkish Republic. As per USA International (2007,pg 59)“ The Gambia’s foreign policy is carved within the framework of the purpose and principles of the charters of both the United Nations and the African Union , on the basis of mutual respect for the sovereign equality , independence and the territorial integrity of the states.”. The main aim of their foreign policy is to maintain international peace and security and promote friendly relation among other foreign nations. The Gambia’s foreign policy is also committed to the doctrine of non alignment. Despite the developments in world affairs the foreign policy principles of Gambia has remained unwavering. The Gambia’s Foreign Relations The country Gambia has active involvement with United Nations and this acts as a cornerstone for its foreign policy. The main mission of United Nation is to strongly uphold international peace and security and to overcome underdevelopment and poverty among various nations across the world. In order to achieve this mission a close relation with individual countries is mandatory. The traditional and neutral approach of Gambia has given it a credible stand in its dealing with international organizations and developing partners. The foreign policy objective of the country is advanced due to its active participation in African Union affairs. The country also has a bilateral relation with The Republic of China as there had been many official visits between both the countries. Gambia established a diplomatic relation with Russia in 1965, and has an embassy situated in Moscow. The United States also intent to hold a improved relation with Gambia considering its historical ties, democratic rule, mutual respect, human rights, conflict diamonds and its stand on counter terrorism with UN resolution .According to Bureau of African (2011) “Relations with the U.S. have not improved significantly due to the human rights and freedom of press shortcomings, which resulted in the suspension of The Gambia's compact with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in June 2006”.Also Gambia is a member of the International Criminal Court with a bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the US military. The viability of Gambia can be attributed to different factors but much important among these is its foreign policy. The main aim of Gambian foreign policy after 1980s was to manage external debt and to attain financial aid from foreign nations. The government succeeded in achieving both the objective but the immense flow of financial aid from foreign nations did not give the country an opportunity to be self reliant. In 1990, the then Gambian president initiated a powerful delegation to US in an attempt to attract US investment to the country. This visit was successful as many American entrepreneurs agreed to initiate trade with the country. American intends to transfer capital and technology from a developed country to a developing country. Also during these times few Kuwaiti delegates visit the country to fund for certain projects and also to extend more financial aid to assist the country. Gambia has achieved considerable financial contribution from Arab countries and this aided the country in its development programs. In 1990, Gambia also extended its relation with Asia by joining hands with Thailand. The country also continued to get assistance from Japan and China and these countries financed for the projects of health and agriculture sector of Gambia. The aid from Japan also was immense as they donated millions of US dollars to improve the energy and agricultural sector of the country. However the interaction between Japanese governments and Gambian government was less frequent than with China. The Gambian government in general holds a cordial relationship with most of the countries internationally and this had helped for the country’s progression to a great extent. Gambia and foreign policy of its Key External State The relation of Gambia with external countries have helped it lot in developing economically and also in safeguarding their integrity and independence. The foreign policy of Gambia had three primary objectives: promote economic development, strengthen security and enhance national prestige. Since the country is of smaller size and inability to develop its own defense system it largely depended upon foreign nation for protection of her security objectives. These security concerns have three dimension; Security of the regime, security of the borders and security of national independence and identity. As Gambia is significantly weak in economic terms it had immense problems in protecting and promoting their interest in international platform. The security deficiencies of Gambia had led them to seek assistance from Senegal in regards of defense matters. In his article Minteh(2009) states that “In the case of The Gambia, a shift in foreign policy could largely be attributed to the impact of the July 22nd 1994 military coup on the tiny nation’s economic and political structure, as a result of sanctions and isolation”. After the rise of President Jammah, the foreign policy of Gambia has taken a shift from the global dimension in a political spectrum. The president Jammah has confessed that their foreign policy helped in preserving his political position as well sustaining the institution of the country’s government. Gambia also maintained a strong relation with Libya and has paid number of visits to the country to re-establish the bilateral relation with Libyan government. Libya also has provided numerous aids to Gambia in matters of education, security and agriculture. In 1980s Gambia also received significant proportion of aid from Federal Republic of Germany and latter’s contribution was major than United States of America. Then many government and experts visited Gambia and also provided Gambia with a loan of 7,100,000 for the purchase of equipment for The Gambian Port Authority. Also the German External Affairs Minister visited Gambia to discuss on their policy of Christian democratic government wherein support will be provided to non – aligned countries regarding democracy and human rights. During this period , France played a major role in enhancing Gambia’s relationship with Europe. The French government assisted Gambia with medical assistance and also provided a loan of French francs 2 million for the up gradation of the urban telecommunication system. With these there started a close relationship between French and Gambian government. France also helped Gambian youths to study in France and offered scholarships to them to aid them in their education field. During this period, Denmark also provided US $ 3.0 million for the energy sector of Gambia. However, the aid provided by US government of $37 million was the largest among all. Gambia also maintained a satisfactory relation with the Arab world and received much aid from the region. Many Middle Eastern countries visited Gambia like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq and Oman. These countries paid millions of dollars for the reconstruction programmes of the Gambian Government. In his article Fatty(2004)states that “The Gambia has a significant role to play in the sustenance of international peace and security. The size of a nation does not always matter”. Relation of Gambia with UK Gambia was under British rule for about 200 years and it was in 1965 which it gained independence. Until 1965, Gambia was a constitutional monarchy and did not hold a status of sovereign republic. The Gambian government after that have experienced strenuous relationship with UK .However in recent times it has received assistance from UK in the field of Education, military training, and peacemaking strategies. The Gambian government also extended their gratitude to the UK government for the visit of numerous numbers of tourists to the country. The UK government has taken deliberate efforts in upgrading the educational and tourism sector of Gambia. As per Daily Observer (2010)“According to a dispatch from the British High Commission in Banjul, during the meeting, Minister Tangara and Bellington had an extremely useful and wide-ranging exchange on the current state of UK/Gambia relations. The discussion, the release further noted, covered issues such as trade and investment, tourism, counter-narcotics cooperation, defense training and human rights”. The Gambian government depends on UK for maintaining a cordial relationship European Union and also for maintaining a good relation with International financial organization. There had been many visits between the diplomatic officials of both the countries in an effort to discuss the matters related to the prosperity and progression of bilateral relation between them. United Kingdom is also assisting Gambia with the help of World Bank where in they have a considerable share. Even numerous charity organization of UK has helped the country in upgrading the poor status citizen of the country and the diseased population. Multilateral Diplomacy of Gambia The country in an effort to promote its political and economical status tends to engage with states at broad and international system level. The country being mainly surrounded by Senegal share a close relationship with it. The two nations have agreed to respect and recognize the unique aspect of each country. They also have promised to cooperate and consult on defence, economic, communication and foreign affairs policies. Even though both the countries maintained a cordial relationship with each other there was no proper unity or integrity between the both. Both the countries were hardly connected to each other in economical and social manner despite of their geographical location. There were no free movements of goods and services between the two countries. Both these countries shared a border crisis as well as transpiration conflict which sour their relationships The country also attempts strongly to maintain a satisfactory bilateral relation with European countries. According to Sankara(2010)“ In his continuing global diplomacy to engage foreign leaders and dignitaries on the macabre political situation in The Gambia, GMC leader, Lawyer Mai N.K Fatty, ended a five-day official visit to the Swedish capital, Stockholm, two days ago”.The relation of Gambian President Jammah, with western countries , especially the US remained in a Luke warm state. The Gambian president dress usually in white robe which is Muslim attire and the terrorist accusation on Muslims reflected on the relation of US and Gambia. In the article Ceesay (2008)writes that “At every possible opportunity, the Gambian president accused western government, especially U.S of being terrorist who trample on the rights of weaker nations”.. No matter what, there was a strong regional cooperation with respect to broad social, political and economical interests in Gambia. In his book Jallow (2010,pg 43) “In many respects, regional and sub- regional economic cooperation and integration of Gambia has been recognized and widely accepted as a primary goal to achieve the consolidation of African economic peace”. The trade of Gambia with ECOWAS countries accounts most of it trades compared to that of the whole African countries. But the trade with ECOWAS is minimal when compared to that of USA, Europe and Asia.Gambian President in an effort to re-establish the historic mission for peace paid a three day visit to Sierra Leone. This gave a solid hope and faith to the Sierra Leone Government which hope for peace and stability in their region. In general, the relationship of Gambia with Middle East and Latin America blossomed consistently. Moreover Taiwan continued to assist Gambia with technical and financial aid and also offered scholarship for Gambian students to study in Taiwanese universities. Gambia also maintained a close relation with Iran, Libya, Cuba and Venezuela. Gambia was close with Cuba, Venezuela and Libya as there were staunch critics of US.9 “The Gambian President Yahya Jammeh was the Africa’s foremost Champion of Peace. Although the peace accord was short lived, the President continued in his effort to avert the escalation of the conflict in Guinea Bissau”46. The Presidents peace initiatives and objectives contributed immensely to the restoration of peace and democracy in the Guinea Bissau region. The relation of Gambia with Taiwan and People Republic of China The Gambian government shares an extremely friendly relation with Taiwan and the former treat Taiwan as a true friend of it. As per Lottich(2010,pg 21) “According to the vice president, Taiwan has touched the hearts of all Gambians in the health sector.”You are a true friend of The Gambia; this is what every Gambian is talking about. We value our relationship and friendship with you”. In 2007, when the Gambian President Jammah visited Taiwan, he thanked the Taiwanese government for their generous support for the development efforts of the country. The Gambian President acknowledged to the Taiwanese Government that their relation to the country is highly regarded. Meanwhile, the Taiwanese Government praised the efforts of Gambia in securing peace and democracy in the international arena. With regard to China, the diplomatic relation was signed towards them by Gambian government in the year of 1974.But once the Gambia resumed close ties with Taiwan in 1995, the former’s relation with China detoriated. However, during the period of 1975 to 1995 China assisted Gambian government in constructing the Independence stadium, health centers, hostels and other projects. Since 1980s, Chinese companies were indulging in business with Gambia in the field of construction, trade and fishing. Even now there are few companies which are running in Gambia. In 1973, Gambia and China initiated a trade agreement and then started numerous exports from china related to animal by products, lighting equipments and hardware items. However there were no imports from Gambia to China took place. In 1987, the country also signed a cultural agreement with China. The Role of Multi-track Diplomacy It is the Gambia’s transformation into civilian rule which made the election of Colonel Yahya Jammeh as the President of Gambia successful. In 1998, Gambia occupied the position as the member of the UN Security council for a two year term. This membership has given many opportunities for the Gambian government to strengthen its multi- track diplomatic techniques. The Gambian President Jammah has used appropriately his new position to support close relationship with Libya, Taiwan and Iraq.Jammah also had called for the end of sanctions imposed by UN on Libya at the OAU.On regional basis the Gambian Government has mediated successfully to resolve the conflict in Guinea- Bissau. According to Jeanne(2003,pg 13) “Gambian Foreign Minister , Lamin Sedat Jobe, tirelessly shuttled between Banjul and Bissau to negotiate a cease fire between the warring military factions”. The President Jammah played a significant role in signing the cease fire agreement in Abuja, Nigeria in the year 1999.This was a great achievement for the Gambian government and a sign of successful diplomatic relation between the countries.The Gambian country is also refugee camp to people from Senegal, Sierra Leone and Guinea- Bissau and this urges for the country to attract resources from foreign nations. The Gambian economy had been detoriating but the Gambian leaders have contributed much to the integral movement of the Gambian foreign relations. The Gambia’s effort to restore its foreign policy good will has allowed it to regain the trust of the World Bank .The World Bank after a period of four years resumed lending to the country and contributed a loan of US $18 million in the year 1998. Role in Human Right Diplomacy The human rights status in Gambia is in a detoriating stage and the Government has made least efforts to upgrade this situation. The Government of Gambia is not co- operating to follow the guidelines of International Human Rights organization. The country has no freedom of expression, perform detention on arbitrary basis, practice disappearance by enforcement and these are the major human right concerns of the country. The President Jammeh’s visit in 2007 to Asian – Pacific island has been an effort to strengthen the key economical sectors of the country – agriculture, education and health. In order to upgrade the science and technology sector of the country support has been offered to students and government authorities to go through training and education in Taipei. Human right problem comprise of abduction of people in the country, the atrocities done to the prison inmates, imprisonment of people on political basis, restriction on right of speech. cruelty against women and children. There were also other problems like child prostitutions, homosexual activity and child labor existing in the country which is ignored by the government to a large extent. As per Senegambia(2011) “The government issued no statement; the action is assumed to be a continuation of the government’s efforts to end street begging, which it views as a public nuisance. Leaders of the Gambia Federation of the Disabled urged authorities to review their policy regarding persons with disabilities”. The Gambian government human right diplomacy is low graded as there are numerous issues which need immediate attention. There need to be strong motivation from western nations and other international organization to alleviate the human right and freedom of the country. The Cultural Diplomacy in Gambia The Gambian Government is of the opinion that the cultural diplomacy is the basis for better international relationship, tolerance and understanding. The Gambia has taken a position of a melting pot of cultural events and hence number of foreign nationals has visited the country to take part in the various cultural activities of the country. This helped Gambia to promote its cultural presence around the world .The Kanilai Cultural Festival conducted in Gambia is a prominent event which receives lot of attention from worldwide population. Culture is the living style of people of a country and the heritage that they preserve with regard to their customs, rituals and food habits. According to Dibba(2010,“The Kanilai International Cultural Festival is certainly one man's initiative from a small West African Country but one that has global resonance and relevance, that could potentially dawn a new era in International Relations”. It is necessary to understand here that the failure in cultural diplomacy can lead to international tension and conflicts. In cultural diplomacy the culture of a country holds as basis to upgrade the relationship between countries. For cultural diplomacy to attain efficiency there should be strong cross cultural relationship between countries on international platform. The visit of Gambian cultural delegation to Unites States has paved way to an increase in the flow of American tourist to the country. Also some American travel agents visit the country in an effort to promote the tourism sector of the country. However, the Gambian government should do more action to advertise about the cultural highlights of their country to the outside world to enhance the tourism sector. Conclusion On basis of analysis it can be suggested that the small size of the micro states cannot make them less of a nation. Gambia being a small nation is not limited in any way when it comes to their foreign policy and international relations. The economic and security base of Gambia is very weak and the country desperately needs to revive its foreign policy to grow socially and economically. It is obvious that developing micro states put lot of attention on their economic and social security when they relate to foreign nations. But these attentive efforts does not count towards their behavior to external nations .Prestige of the country as well as desire to showcase independence and sovereignty are issues that affect microstate in formulating foreign policy. The Gambian foreign policy focuses on three main objectives; boost the national economy, strengthen internal security and create a positive international image for the country and its leaders. These objectives were created taking into consideration the small size of the country and its low level of development. According to Touray(2010,pg 201)“Indeed, by area, The Gambia , is the smallest country in the mainland Africa and one of the smallest nation in the United Nations. The small territory and the population of the country made it an easy target for the larger predatory nations”. The drawback of the Gambian government is that even by attaining financial resources it does not have enough manpower to develop a strong defense system. So the country keeping all factors in mind should formulate foreign policies which can keep up its social, economical and political security. Bibliography Bureau of African Affairs. 2011. Background Note: The Gambia. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5459.htm. [Accessed 18 July 11]. Ceesay,S.. 2008. National News - Taiwan is the true friend to Gambia. [ONLINE] Available at: http://gambiaaffairs.blogspot.com/2008/11/national-newstaiwan-is-true-friend-of.html. [Accessed 18 July 11 Dibba,K.. 2010. 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[ONLINE] Availableat:http://www.senegambianews.com/articl e/Press_ Releases/P ress_Releases/Campaign_for_Human_Rights_in_The_ Gambia_UK _protests_over_another_ fictitious_award_for_Jammeh/19687. [Accessed 19 July 11] Touray, O.A., 2000. The Gambia and the world: a history of the foreign policy of Africa's Smallest State . 1st ed. Hamburg: GIGA- Hamburg USA International Business, 2007. Gambia Foreign Policy and Government Guide. 1st ed. Washington D.C.: International Business Publications Read More