What is foreign policy?

Foreign policy is the mechanism national governments use to guide their

diplomatic interactions and relationships with other countries. A state’s foreign
policy reflects its values and goals, and helps drive its political and economic aims
in the global arena. Many foreign policies also have a strong focus on national and
international security, and will help determine how a country interacts with
international organisations, such as the United Nations, and citizens of other
countries
Foreign policies are developed and influenced by a number of
factors.
These include the country’s circumstances in a number of areas, including
geographically, financially, politically, and so on the behaviour and foreign
policies of other countries the state of international order and affairs more widely
(for example, is there war or unrest? Are there trade alliances to take into
consideration?)
plans for advancement, such as economic advancement or technological
advancement
Guided by foreign policy, diplomats and diplomatic bodies can work across
borders to tackle shared challenges, promote stability, and protect shared interests.
A nation’s foreign policy typically works in tandem with its domestic policy,
which is another form of public policy that focuses on matters at home. Together,
the two policies complement one another and work to strengthen the country’s
position both within and outside its borders.
Examples of foreign policy
The United Kingdom
Foreign policy in the United Kingdom is overseen by Foreign, Commonwealth and
Development Office, which is led by the Foreign Secretary.
Recent priorities for the UK’s foreign office have included imposing sanctions on
Russia due to its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, and introducing a new Northern
Ireland Protocol Bill. The UK has also continued its ongoing action against the
regime in Syria.
Following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) –
made official in 2020 – UK policymakers have been focused on negotiating new
trade agreements with international partners.
The United States
American foreign policy is overseen by the U.S. Department of State, which says
its mission is to “protect and promote U.S. security, prosperity, and democratic
values, and shape an international environment in which all Americans can thrive.”
Domestic bills and legislation connected to foreign policy are managed by the
United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs, a standing committee of the
U.S. House of Representatives that has jurisdiction over matters such as foreign
assistance, HIV/AIDS in foreign countries, and the promotion of democracy. It
also has six standing subcommittees that oversee issues connected to human rights
practices, disaster assistance, international development, and so on in different
regions of the world, such as Asia or the Middle East.
Recent events in American international affairs have included ending its war in
Afghanistan, and affirming its support for a two-state solution to the ongoing
conflict between Palestine and Israel.
China
Chinese foreign policy consists of the following elements:
- Maintaining independence and state sovereignty.
- Maintaining world peace.
- Friendly relations.
- Enhanced unity and cooperation between developing countries.
- Increasing its opening and modernisation efforts.
China’s foreign policy also stipulates that China not engage in diplomatic
relationships with any country that formally recognises Taiwan, which China does
not recognise as a separate nation.
The Foreign Policy of Pakistan
The foreign policy of Pakistan seeks to promote the internationally recognized
norms of interstate relations, i.e. respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of
all States, non-interference in the internal affairs of other State; non-aggression and
peaceful settlement of disputes. (As defined by Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Pakistan's Foreign Policy Objectives
In light of the guiding principles laid down by the founding fathers and the
constitution as also aspirations of the people of Pakistan, the objectives of foreign
policy can be summarized as under:
* Promotion of Pakistan as a dynamic, progressive, moderate, and democratic
Islamic country.
* Developing friendly relations with all countries of the world, especially major
powers and immediate neighbours.
*Safeguarding national security and geo-strategic interests, including Kashmir.
* Consolidating our commercial and economic cooperation with international
community.
* Safeguarding the interests of Pakistani Diaspora abroad.
* Ensuring optimal utilization of national resources for regional and international
cooperation.