Chapter One Theoretical Fundamentals of Foreign Policy

Abstract

This chapter reviews the theoretical fundamentals of foreign policy. Foreign policy is an activity of the State with which it fulfils its aims and interests within the international arena. The foreign policy of any State depends on its geopolitical position, its power, its internal organisation and stability, on public opinion, on pressure groups and their interests; it depends also on its internal political situation. Nowadays decision-making in foreign policy and implementation of decisions is increasingly influenced by other factors, such as political parties, public opinion and media, civil society, multinationals and other economic subjects and interests, lobbies and other similar actors. In the study of foreign policy and also in its implementation in practice, ‘the balance of power’ is given an important place. The balance of power is a reality in the international community, even though it is not institutionalised. It forms the basis of the international system. Keywords:balance of power; international community; international law; theoreticalfundamentals of foreign policy