Foreign Policies of the Nations - Essay Example

World Politics al Affiliation Well formulated foreign policies have arguably been the most noticeable factor that has contributed to good neighborhood between nations. The September 11th incident in America for instance, became one of the defining factors that came to influence the foreign policies of many nations. To clearly identify issues pertaining foreign policies, this essay ventures into various sources of information, both old and current. What is evident therefore is that most nations’ foreign policies, especially those of the third world nations, are determined by those of developed and super power nations such as the United States and France. The developing nations have to adopt policies that conform to the standards required by superpowers. However, evidence shows that terrorism is one of the latest factors to have influenced the formulation of foreign policies. Terrorism doesn’t make a distinction between a superpower and a developing nation. For this reason, nations have come together to fight the common enemy. Although it has been the hardest task, most nations have proved to be resilient in the fight and have vowed to bring to justice, those suspected to be terrorists and their sympathizers. Keywords: Foreign Policy, Nations, 9/11 (September 11), Terrorism, Government, Interests Introduction Nation’s foreign policies are major components in world politics (Duncan, Jancar-Webster & Switky, 2009). A nation’s foreign policy determines how it relates with other nations (Constitutional Rights Foundation, 2014). Most foreign policies consist of a number of strategies chosen by a nation with regard to its interests. These policies help in the maintenance of relations with other nations and the achievement of a nation’s goals. The interaction is moderated in order to gain maximum benefits on international cooperation. The governments incorporate high level decision bodies to help them make the soundest decisions. According to Duncan, Jancar-Webster and Switky, “foreign policy is put into play by the world’s states, but other players, such as Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)….may also make decisions that affect the foreign policy of states” (2009, p. 131). Foreign policies were introduced during the world wars. Most nations took the step in order to improve the relations between them and prevent potential wars. There are various factors that influence the foreign relations of a nation; these factors determine how a nation will treat the other and ensure that it conducts itself in such a way that it remains relevant to other nations as well as its citizens. Factors that shape Foreign Policies Terrorism: The act of terrorism has given many leaders sleepless nights, as they work out on ways and means of countering it. The September 11th incident acted as a turning point by the United States, on its effort to end terrorism around the world. As a step towards carrying out affirmative actions against terrorism, later United States presidents unlike previous administrations never ignored wars against terrorism. For example, President Reagan’s administration chose to replace Carter’s administration that was focusing on human rights with a policy on terrorism (Richelson & Evans, 2001). The subsequent presidents carried on with these policies. During the 2010 National Security Strategy, the United States President, Barack Obama affirmed his great responsibility of ensuring the safety of America and its citizens. Following the consistent al-Qaida threats, President Barack Obama set out his priorities that he intended to disrupt, dismantle and at last, completely defeat terrorists and their affiliates (The White House, 2011). The role of civil society: Since the inception of the civil societies and the time the non-governmental organizations came on board, there have been ultimate behavioral changes of many nations regarding their foreign policies, especially during the 20th and the 21st century. Civil societies and non-governmental organizations have been playing a very crucial role of granting powers to less regarded persons in a society. They have been articulating for various policies that appreciate human rights and promote equality for all. Additionally, they have provided a platform whereby oppressed people can air out their opinions and concerns towards certain policies adopted by their respective states. Developed nations such as the United States and France constantly agitate for an embracement of human rights through the role of civil societies. Nations that seem to neglect this policy may face withdrawal of grants and any other forms of foreign support. In recognition of the Iranian government for its encouraging efforts on civil societies, the United States congress approved 66 million dollars aimed at promoting civil societies in Iran (Beehner, 2007). Nation’s vital interests: Vital interests are those that in their pursuit, they require an entire nation’s energy and may even call for military actions; they are the ones that define a country. In the United States, the vital interests are to protect the nation and its people; for this reason, the territories are far much important and need to be protected against any foreign attack. Apart from security, markets, sources of energy and the environment are also vital interests for any nation. Foreign policies have to be formulated to suit the top most national interests. Subject to this matter, Kumar, R. and Kumar, S. identify some national interests that often cause commotion, they point out that “China will emerge as the rival global power whereas India, Russia, Japan, and Brazil will remain regional powers” (2010, p. 14). While reflecting on Canadian policy, Holloway argues that the national interests need explicit thinking about the government goals and objectivity, and the subsequent result will be well formulated national interests that would rationalize the interests of all nations (2006). A foreign policy on counterterrorism is a very crucial component in any nation’s policies. It poses severe threats to both security and safety of all nations. In the same way, it does not recognize a nation or a religion. This is a challenge that needs unity and sufficient capabilities. It was as a result of the 9/11 event that NATO intensified its fight against criminality. As a show of seriousness on the mission, NATO managed to appeal to chapter 5 of the Washington treaty (NATO, n.d.). Issues related to foreign policies are quite challenging, however they are highly beneficial considering that nations balance their internal and external interests. While anti-terrorists policies are taken most seriously by developed nations, developing nations too have intensified their stand in order to conform to superpowers. American 9/11 Incident The unfortunate September 11th event has arguably been one of the worst events of terror attacks in the recent past. It has taken the arm of all nations to consolidate solidarity against a common enemy. According to Holland (2013, n.p.), “Australian participation in what came to be known as the ‘coalition of the willing,’” marked the dominance of an international campaign on war against terror. In one of the latest news in Turkish Weekly, United States officials were on March 6th and March 7th 2014 involved in talks with Turkish representatives on the ways of effectively countering the growing terrorism in Syria (“Senior US diplomat,” 2014). On March 9, American officials also met with Saudi Arabian counterparts to discuss on the importance of the relationship between the two nations, also in the agenda was the means with which stability could be achieved in Middle East; this is on an attempt to end terrorists’ activities in Middle East (“Senior US diplomat,” 2014). Conclusion In order for a nation to achieve its goals and interests in foreign relations, it has to continually seek strategies that will support it in gaining more power, as well as be able to meet its objectives through well-organized leadership. Proper economic planning promotes economic development and influences a nation’s approach towards maintaining its core internal and external affairs. Whereas superpower nations dictate much of the foreign policies, developing nations are working quite well in formulating the best foreign policies that will not clash with those of the superpowers. Reference List Beehner, L. (2007). Iranian Civil Society and the Role of US Foreign Policy. Retrieved from http://www.cfr.org/iran/iranian-civil-society-role-us-foreign-policy/p13503. Constitutional Rights Foundation. (2014). Foreign Policy. Retrieved from http://www.crf-usa.org/war-in-iraq/foreign-policy.html. Duncan, W. R., Jancar-Webster, B. & Switky, B. (2009). World Politics in the 21st Century: Student Choice Edition.  Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Holland, J. (2013). Selling the War on Terror: Foreign Policy Discourses after 9/11. Oxon: Routledge. Holloway, S. K. (2006). Canadian Foreign Policy. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. Kumar, R. & Kumar, S. (2010). In the National Interest. New Delhi: Business Standard Books. NATO. (n.d.). Countering Terrorism. Retrieved from http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_77646.htm. Richelson J. & Evans, M. L. (2001). The September 11th Sourcebooks:-Volume I: Terrorism and U.S. Policy. Retrieved from http://www2.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB55/index1.html. Senior US Diplomat holds Talks over Counterterrorism in Turkey. (2014, March 10). Retrieved from http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/senior-us-diplomat-holds-talks-over-counterterrorism-in-turkey.aspx?pageID=238&nID=63413&NewsCatID=359. The White House. (2011). National Strategy for Counterterrorism. Retrieved from http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/counterterrorism_strategy.pdf. Read More