Week 1 Final Notes (Lecture 1) PDF

Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share Week 1 – Lecture 1 Introductory Lecture to Foreign Policy *FP = Foreign Policy *FPA = Foreign policy Analysids - Module is intro to field of foreign policy analysis and sub fi...

Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share Week 1 – Lecture 1 Introductory Lecture to Foreign Policy *FP = Foreign Policy *FPA = Foreign policy Analysids - Module is intro to field of foreign policy analysis and sub field of IR - Focuses on some key concept & theortetical - study of FP examines how state and non-state actors interact in a constantly evolving international system, focusing on the decision-making processes, the influence of individuals, institutions, and societal factors. - involves understanding roles of diplomacy, sanctions, media, and the influence of various actors, including leaders, militaries, NGOs, and terrorist organizations. - Russian FP, shaped by its Soviet past, under Vladimir Putin emphasizes military power, energy resources, and soft power tools like media while resisting Western influence. o This example highlights the impact of leadership, historical identity, and material power on international decisions regarding war, peace, and influence. Main actors in FP - Nation-states o primary actors o sovereign countries that engage in diplomacy, negotiate treaties, and make decisions on defense, trade, and international relations. - International organizations o include entities like UN, World Trade Organization (WTO), European Union (EU), and NATO, which play roles in coordinating policies, conflict resolution, and facilitating cooperation among states. - Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) o Eg. Amnesty International or the Red Cross o influence FP by advocating for human rights, environmental issues, or development assistance. - Multinational corporations (MNCs) o Large corporations like Apple or ExxonMobil o impact foreign policy by influencing trade agreements, labour laws, and environmental policies across borders. 1  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share - Political leaders and diplomats o Heads of state, ministers of foreign affairs, and diplomats are directly involved in formulating and executing foreign policy on behalf of their governments. - Public opinion and media o Public sentiment and media coverage can pressure governments to adopt specific foreign policies or change their international stance on issues. main sources of foreign policy 1. National interests o A country's priorities, such as security, economic prosperity, and national sovereignty, shape its foreign policy. 2. Geopolitical factors o A nation's geographical location and its relationships with neighbouring countries influence its foreign policy decisions. 3. Domestic politics o Political ideologies, party platforms, and interest groups within a country impact the formulation of foreign policy. 4. International law and agreements o Treaties, conventions, and international norms help shape foreign policy by providing frameworks for diplomatic conduct and cooperation. 5. Economic conditions o A nation's economic strength, trade interests, and need for resources drive its foreign policy strategies. 6. Historical experience o Past conflicts, alliances, and diplomatic engagements guide how a country approaches current international issues. 7. Global trends o Shifts in global power dynamics, climate change, and technological advancements also affect foreign policy decisions. 2  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share Week 1 – Lecture 2 The High Politics of Our Era (Pre Covid-19) - Apparent reordering of international power balance - Questions about the future of liberal, rules-based international order established under US hegemony post-WWII o A general shift in states' foreign policy orientation in line with geopolitical shifts High politics of our era (2022 -) - Pronounced geopolitical shifts and what this implies for foreign policy ahead - Emergence of BRICS Two viewpoints with states’ orientation to international politics 1. Uni- / bilateralism o (traditionally) 2 countries/states negotiate with each other 2. Multilateralism o grouped negotiations, more than 2 countries o more multilateralism is important for seeking global solutions o more powerful & efficient than uni/bi → example : nato & brics negotiations - Why is it more efficient? o mostly for purpose of economics (sanctions & group currency, euro & hopefully global south currency) o if a singular country decides to abandon the colonial currency, it won’t have much of an impact on the colonial country but if a group of colonised countries abandon that currency, the outcome will have a much larger impact o example : possible future of a BRICS currency o Consequences for non-compliance more severe because it’s not just one country - Ultimately – nature of agreement will influence effectiveness of negotiations o If clear, fair, and mutually beneficial agreement → more likely to be effective and lead to successful cooperation. o If vague, one-sided, or unrealistic agreement → result in misunderstandings, conflicts, or a failure to follow through on commitments. 3  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share o quality and terms of agreement determine whether negotiation achieves its goals and works smoothly in practice. - Structural condition & interdependence to other BRICS countries → means those BRICS dependent countries have less power than others that have power to rotate and choose their presidencies What is SA’s foreign policy on the predicate of the spread of democracy & equality? How can we perpetuate these values in our trade exchange with Norway? SA’s FP emphasizes regional and global promotion of : - Democracy - Equality - human rights - social justice SA advocates for these values through diplomatic efforts, participation in international organizations, and peacebuilding initiatives, aligning with its own post-apartheid values. In trade with Norway, SA can: 1. Promote fair trade agreements that emphasize equal economic opportunities and mutual benefits. 2. Encourage cooperation in sustainable development projects that align with democratic principles 3. Support partnerships in sectors like education, health, and technology that promote inclusive growth and social equality. 4. Ensure transparent, ethical business practices that uphold human rights in both countries. Multilateralism trade is NB → because as an individual country, we don’t have that much bargaining power Foreign policy events on the home front September 2024 - Pres. Ramaphosa attends 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing - Deputy Minister Botes conducts working visit to Indonesia August 2024 - Minister Lamola participates in Tokyo Conference on African Development Ministerial meeting in Tokyo - South Africa – Norway bilateral consultations hosted in RSA, August 2024 4  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share South Africa’s foreign policy regularly works to keep things moving smoothly. The country focuses on maintaining good relationships with both the richer nations (Global North) and developing countries (Global South). Working together with multiple countries (multilateralism) is a key part of this strategy. From these events, we can see that FP crosses various levels of decision making (i.e. state, non-state, governments, individuals, firms) - Foreign policy not always only influenced by individuals, can also be changed by current global issues (eg. global warming, pandemics, shooting of presidents) - Traditional channels of diplomacy are still important (e.g. multilateral/bilateral summits, consultations, negotiations) o But non-traditional channels are becoming increasingly more so (social media → Trump and his twitter page) ▪ Bilateral negotiations can happen over twitter - Everyday, normal events can have major ramifications for states' foreign policies Another definition of FP - States and other actors’ explicit articulation of their international goals and objectives addressed to others in the international system - Public politics → articulation of domestic goals - Foreign policy concerned about international goals, addressed to other states to ensure effective trade/consultation Types of foreign policy - Foreign policy white papers: before something becomes an official goal in national legislature (draft of foreign policy = white paper) - Foreign policy strategy documents o These documents internally govern everything the government does - Statements by head of state or senior government officials o Public or exclusively released to press - Communiques (e.g. BRICS Summit or G20 Summit agreements) o What happens after summit: joint press statements, drafted by all attendees of summit, what final conclusion is - Speeches o Most important in terms of foreign policy ▪ P.W Botha’s Rubicon speech 5  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share o Crackdown on apartheid activists o Doubling down on apartheid regime, no reforms, not releasing Mandela o Sanctions from international community and crackdowns on SA → had a massive impact on foreign policy - Voting positions in multilateral forums o eg. UN o Russia’s position in UN security council Diplomacy - Practical articulation of an actors’ external aspirations, purposes and policies and entails the official practices through which actors (generally, but non- exclusive states) interact with each other - Traditionally FP and diplomacy were only performed through state activities, but increasingly other actors also have foreign policy (transnational) impacts: o non-state actors (e.g. Multinational Corporations; Al Shabaab, ISIL, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, NGOs) o sub-state actors (e.g. provincial or city governments, trade missions, twin city pacts) ▪ Benjamin Barber (2013) – If Mayors Ruled the World: Dysfunctional Nations, Rising Cities ▪ In an interdependent world and with increasing economic dominance of world/global cities (London, Shanghai, Tokyo, New York) city governments perhaps more efficient than the nation-state - However today there is increasing importance of : - Economic diplomacy o (both state and non-state) - Track-two diplomacy o (e.g. NGOs lobbying governments such as International Campaign to Ban Landmines, R2P) - Track-three diplomacy o (NGOs interacting with and campaigning each other) - Celebrity diplomacy o rising in frequency o Banning land mine campaign was heavily pushed for by princess Diana o Taylor Swift and Kamala Harris 6  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share - Science diplomacy o using scientific collaboration between countries to address global challenges, improve international relations, and promote peace and cooperation through research and innovation. Distinction between ‘high politics’ and ‘low politics’ less relevant - High politics → focus on matters of national security, defense, and sovereignty - low politics → deals with economic, social, and environmental issues. - distinction less relevant today because global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and economic interdependence blur the lines between security and non-security issues, making them all critical to national and global stability. - Diplomacy always seems to have positive connotations but it’s not always actually a good thing - Foreign policy is a lot more economic in nature → groups instead of individuals lobbying for specific issues, thus use resources and streamline their opinion more effectively FP Actors seen in international setting State - Executive/Legislative/Judiciary - Ministries o Foreign Affairs o Interior (Home Affairs) o Trade/Industry o Finance/Treasury o Intelligence o Armed forces o Environment - Sub-state o Provinces/Länder/Federal states o Local govt. NON-STATE - Multinational Corporations e.g BP; Lehman Brothers - Religious/cultural entities - Criminal networks incl. terrorist groups - International Organisations (Inter-governmental and international non- governmental) - Civil society movements (CBOs) - Media 7  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share - Individuals EPISTEMIC COMMUNITIES Community of individuals with a lot of expert knowledge and weigh in on public affairs - Scientists - Researchers PUBLIC - Intellectuals - Academics o → Scholars, who have made part of career commenting on public affairs (scholar activists) - If a source of foreign policy is state, then party politics will have an influence on foreign policy Foreign policy is the intended outcome, whilst diplomacy is the verb (action) - Diplomacy is a notoriously slow field, lots of talk and word salad, lots of negotiations - A large portion of it can be compacted into less time and effort than what it actually takes - Foreign policy can be extradited in lots of ways → one of which is to get 3rd parties involved (NGOs) o 3rd parties will take a lot less time o Gift of givers – humanitarian aid organisation ▪ Involved in two track diplomacy o UN comprised of states with its own voting power 8  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share o Red cross, just comprised of humanitarian aid and experts, give aid, function as humanitarian activists and diplomacy negotiations 9  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share Week 1 – Lecture 3 - State behaviour → draw conclusions about the state’s intentions within the international environment - Foreign policy attempts to understand the intentions of states in their outlook and what they seek to achieve, given their nature/perception of the international environment APPROACHES IN FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS (FPA) 1. Levels of analysis state = the unit of analysis Difference between unit & level of analysis? i. The unit of analysis is still the state, but being placed in different settings (levels of analysis) → looking at the state in relation to other units & variables FPA is well defined in terms of levels of analysis (different settings) - 3 levels of analysis o Micro o Meso o macro - the unit of analysis can also be lobby groups/an individual or group of individual decision-makers, doesn’t always have to be the state o ie. the unit is 1 cohort/group you centre your analysis on o for this section, our unit will always be the state 2. Theoretical frameworks 3 theoretical paradigms i. Realism ii. Liberalism & pluralism iii. Critical perspectives - Foreign Policy Analysis is a sub-field of International Relations (IR), therefore it reflects the Intellectual traditions and trends of IR o FPA focused on the policy making of states o Means we see the same kinds of theoretical frameworks dominating FPA, also dominating IR ▪ Similar debates and issues concerning epistemology, methodology and/or the role of values - Differences between IR and FPA o FPA has levels of analysis whereas IR doesn’t ▪ IR is mostly state-centric and focuses on state-level or systemic explanations (ie. macro level) 10  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share o FPA emphasizes human agency and motivations behind foreign policy decisions, over structural constraints. ▪ the role of individual choice versus systemic factors is highly debated. o FPA criticized for lacking theories on: ▪ state behaviour ▪ globalization's impact ▪ foreign policy implementation. Levels of Analysis in FPA 1. Micro (individual) - The role of individual decision making and leadership in FP o eg. Vladmir Putin → important member within Russian state/federal congress, some say the only decision maker in the Russian state ▪ thus the micro level is needed to explain Russia’s FP ▪ To understand why Russia elevates conflict, retaliates etc. → we need to understand what goes on in Putin’s head (individual level analysis) o US eg. : consider factors of Trump’s personality & psychology as this effects US’ FP - Micro level analyses psychology, cognition, personality - Also known as study of FP decision-making (FPDM) 2. Meso (domestic) - Takes the state (unit of analysis) and peers more deeply into what goes on within the boundaries of state - Looks at the domestic context and determinants of FP - Role of domestic politics/public opinion - Role of domestic interest groups - Role of bureaucracies in FPDM - Interests of lobby groups 3. Macro-levels (systemic) - Looks at how a country’s FP is shaped by systemic factors - Explains FP as an outcome of : o power distribution in international systems o State attributes ▪ small/weak state? with not many attributes? 11  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share Then look at the small state’s alliances with larger powers o State/national interests READINGS ALDEN - CHAPTER 1 Realism: the state, national interest and foreign policy - Realism views state as a unitary, rational actor focused on national interest, primarily defined by power. - Realists emphasize the anarchic nature of the international system, where states pursue security and wealth through competition. - Military power, geography, and resources are key to successful foreign policy. - Critics of realism, including scholars like Richard Snyder, argued for a deeper analysis of decision-making processes within states, leading to the development of Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA), which examines both state and non-state actors in international relations. Behaviourism and rationalism - In response to realism, behaviorism in Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA) focused on individual decision-makers and psychological factors influencing foreign policy. - This approach highlighted cognitive limitations and biases that affect decisions. - Meanwhile, rationalism, aligned with realism, emphasized rational, self-interested decision-making. - FPA scholars critiqued these views, arguing that foreign policy is less organized and influenced by group dynamics, psychology, and societal factors. - The bureaucratic politics approach expanded the focus to include the role of institutions, agencies, and societal influences in shaping foreign policy. Domestic structures and foreign policy 12  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share - domestic structure approach in FPA examines how a country's internal factors, such as material resources, political institutions, and societal organization, influence its foreign policy. - Scholars like Risse-Kappen and Müller explored how state-society relations shape foreign policy decisions. - This approach also contributed to debates like democratic peace theory, which suggests democracies tend to maintain peaceful relations with other democracies. Pluralism: linkage politics and foreign policy - Pluralism argues that states are no longer the sole significant actors in international politics. - Since 1970s : growing connections between state, sub-state, and non-state actors (like MNCs and NGOs) have reduced state primacy. - Pluralists emphasize role of domestic and transnational influences on foreign policy. - Robert Putnam’s "two-level game" highlights the tension between domestic and international demands in decision-making. - approach explores how complex interdependencies challenge state control over foreign policy and connects well with the study of globalization. Three critiques of 'classical' FPA: bringing in the state, globalization and change Three key critiques: - the lack of a theory of the state - insufficient integration of the effects of globalization - failure to account for changes in foreign policy over time. - FPA offers valuable insights into the role of human agency and sub-national actors → BUT overlooks structural factors emphasized by IR o such as globalization and systemic shifts. - gaps hinder development of a more comprehensive understanding of foreign policy within the field. FPA and the state - FPA enhanced understanding of FP by focusing on human agency and sub-national actors, but it lacks a clear conception of the state. 13  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share - Early approaches reduce the state to individual decision-makers or competing bureaucratic units. - Later frameworks, like the pluralist approach, view the state as mediating between domestic and international pressures o but still fail to conceptualize the state as an independent actor. - Newer perspectives suggest that different state forms—such as institutional, quasi- states, or clustered states—better explain how state structures influence foreign policy. FPA and globalization - FPA and globalization have largely ignored each other - Works like Held et al.'s "Global Transformations" categorize globalization theories but often exclude foreign policy from their analyses. o this limits the understanding of how foreign policy interacts with globalization, reducing it to mere defensive responses against global forces. - Alden aims to bridge gap by exploring how FPA can enhance the study of foreign policy within a globalized context, emphasizing the importance of human agency in these processes. FPA and change - Classical FPA largely overlooked foreign policy change, similar to the broader IR field's failure to address key events like the Cold War's end. - Significant shifts, such as Nixon's opening to China and post-Soviet realignments, highlight the need for understanding the sources and contexts of such changes. - David Welch's work on foreign policy change, particularly through cognitive psychology and prospect theory, is one of the few attempts to tackle this issue. - A constructivist approach also emphasizes how identity and regime types influence foreign policy decisions. HILL CHAPTER 1 Hill’s Definition of FP 14  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share - sum of official external relations conducted by an independent actor, typically a state, in international relations - involves more than just diplomacy, encompassing a broad range of activities by various state and non-state actors. - Foreign policy aims to advance a state's main objectives and shape the external world - seeks coherence by coordinating competing interests and projecting a society’s values. - Foreign policy analysis (FPA) explores decision-making and domestic influences, challenging the idea that states act as single, rational entities Competing Approaches Realism - emphasises power and state interests - been the dominant theory Neorealism - developed by Kenneth Waltz - focuses on international system & balance of power. - downplays the role of foreign policy analysis (FPA) but focuses on it as strategy within a fixed international system, prioritizing power and security - criticisms: o too deterministic o neglecting domestic factors and decision-making processes emphasized in Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA). Pluralist - approach now dominates FPA - broadening scope to include non-state actors. Public choice theory - focus on collective action - linked to neorealism but oversimplifies motivations Post-positivist approaches - eg constructivism - challenge traditional views - highlight the role of language, culture, and identity in foreign policy. The Evolution of Foreign Policy Analysis 15  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share - Initially, FPA sought to develop scientific models for foreign policy - evolved into using "middle-range theories" to study specific aspects like perception and geopolitics. - also explores complexities of state actors within global systems and addresses key theoretical challenges o such as blurred lines between domestic and foreign policies. - emphasizes importance of integrating historical accounts and addressing normative issues, such as ethical responsibilities in foreign policy decisions. Changing International Context - international context influenced by global events such as the end of the Cold War, the rise of globalization, challenges to the Westphalian state system, and Islamic fundamentalism. o impact how national foreign policies are conducted, as states adjust to new geopolitical realities. o end of Cold War → shifted global power balance, enabling rise of new powers like China and India o globalization → led to questioning of relevance of traditional foreign policy. ▪ initially seen as diminishing foreign policy, has reshaped the relationship between economics and politics o However, FP remains essential, adapting to these shifts in global dynamics. - The rise of humanitarian intervention challenges traditional state sovereignty - religiously motivated conflicts (particularly post-9/11 terrorism) → increased focus on foreign policy. - States now navigate new global dynamics, balancing economic interests, security, and human rights, with foreign policy playing a crucial role in managing both domestic and international pressures. - FPA seeks to clarify concepts and address the difficulties faced by decision-makers, including balancing internal and external pressures, and understanding power dynamics. - Hill argues that FP bridges domestic politics and international relations while managing global challenges like security and diplomacy. 16  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share HILL CHAPTER 2 - FP inherently political, unlike many external relations and diplomatic activities, which are often routine. o helps navigate complexities of international environment by balancing internal goals with external constraints. - Balancing national interests, international justice, and public opinion is a key challenge for modern foreign policy. - Hill focuses on three central themes: 1. Agency 2. the international environment's impact 3. responsibility - chapter also explores evolving relationships between sovereignty, state, and foreign policy, questioning the traditional distinction between domestic and foreign politics. - FP often associated with states, but other actors like unrecognized states, regions, transnational companies, and non-state groups can also play significant roles in international relations. (see page 7) - transnational actors like Al Qaeda and NGOs demonstrate capacity for cross-border influence. - questions remain about whether FP is the sole concern of elites or should involve more democratic participation. The State, Sovereignty and Foreign Policy - Sovereignty is crucial o has both domestic and external implications o its confusion with power often complicates discussions about state agency - Effective FP depends on state's ability to navigate both internal interests and external pressures o emphasizes need for holistic view that integrates domestic and international factors. 17  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share - distinguishing state from government, civil society, and nations is essential for understanding its unique functions and relationships within the global system. - modern state characterized by its core features that serve both its citizens and role in international system. - ideal state: o operates with legitimate institutions that ensure continuity and order, separate from any dominant class o ideal state must uphold constitutionalism, promoting civil rights, equity, and accountability. o Recognition by the international community is crucial for statehood, impacting its legitimacy and capacity for international relations. o state must balance internal and external responsibilities o manage domestic order while protecting its citizens from external threats & international uncertainties. o provides essential services - In foreign policy, state focuses on protection, democracy, and effective governance, reinforcing the idea that while the state may evolve, it remains essential for maintaining global order and cooperation. - Hill advocates for a "liberal realism" approach o values the state’s democratic functions while promoting constitutional values internationally. “Inside and Outside” - Hill emphasizes interconnectedness of domestic and FP o Argues FP can’t exist without domestic context - Hill is against the view of FP as a simple game with fixed rules o suggests instead FP’s influenced by various domestic factors. - The distinction between "inside" and "outside" is blurred, with examples like Ireland and Canada showing how domestic issues are intertwined with international relations. o Ireland 18  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share ▪ post-2008 financial crisis and austerity measures forced country to align closely with the European Union, especially in negotiating bailout terms ▪ demonstrated how economic instability directly impacted its diplomatic relations. o Canada ▪ domestic energy policy debates, such as those surrounding the oil sands, and indigenous rights movements influenced the country’s international environmental commitments and trade agreements ▪ showes how domestic political and social issues directly affect global engagement. o Both cases reveal the strong link between internal and external policy arenas. - Hill stresses importance of democracy and accountability, highlighting the limitations of global organizations in representing citizens' needs. - Hill asserts FP is critical lens through which to assess how a society's needs are met amid external influences. - domestic and foreign policies are distinct, they continually influence each other, shaping a country's foreign relations and overall development. Agency and Structure - complex relationship between agency (individual or collective actors capable of action) and structure (the various environments that shape choices and actions). - The agency-structure debate is significant in foreign policy analysis o Hill argues against viewing relationship as a simple problem o instead advocates for dynamic understanding where agents and structures continuously interact and influence one another. - Structures encompass various levels and forms o Structures → political systems, economic frameworks, or international institutions o These structures exist at different levels (local, national, global) and in various forms (laws, norms, or organizations). o These structures also shape problems decision-makers (from individuals to governments and organizations) encounter, as well as the available choices 19  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share ▪ Eg. a country’s foreign policy decisions are influenced not only by its internal political structure but also by the global economy and international laws. o These multiple layers of influence affect what options are realistic or possible for actors at different levels. - Key distinctions made between units of analysis and modes of explanation, stressing that understanding foreign policy outcomes requires looking at the interactions between actors and structures across different levels. - - The author also critiques the limitations of strict positivism and determinism, suggesting a pluralist perspective that acknowledges human agency while recognizing the constraints imposed by social and political environments. Ultimately, the text promotes a strategic-relational approach to foreign policy analysis, advocating for diverse methodologies and an open-ended epistemology to better grasp the complexities of international relations. “Politics All the Way Down” - inherent tension in foreign policy between democracy and efficiency - citizens generally prioritize effective protection of national interests over democratic processes, only engaging in foreign policy debates during crises o highlights increasing politicization of foreign policy, both domestically among government officials and publicly. - 7 key expectations of foreign policy that reflect this politicization: 1. Territorial integrity and social peace o The most significant expectation, driven by concerns over external aggression. 2. Advancing prosperity o Emphasizes the need for proactive economic policies and cooperation. 3. Protecting citizens abroad o Involves ensuring the safety and support of citizens overseas. 4. Projecting identity abroad o Focuses on national identity and public relations. 20  Property of Savannah Farris – please don’t share 5. Deciding on interventions o Involves assessing security needs and moral obligations for military or humanitarian actions. 6. Fostering a stable international order o Advocates for predictability and cooperation in global relations. 7. Protecting the global commons o Addresses environmental issues that require international collaboration. These expectations reveal the complex interplay of domestic and international factors influencing foreign policy, with decision-makers facing challenges in balancing public opinion and constitutional processes while addressing competing interests and values. - Hill critiques reductionist typologies (like those classifying states by size or development level) o advocates for a nuanced understanding of the relationships between shared experiences and specific responses in foreign policy-making 21