Foreign Policy Influence Research Articles

Nationalism, Internationalism, and Interventionism: How Overseas Military Service Influences Foreign Policy Attitudes

Abstracts How does military experience change individual foreign policy preferences? Prior research on military service focuses on the effects of combat experience on political participation and policy preferences, but combat is not the only military experience that influences attitudes. Living overseas is a common military experience with the potential to shape foreign policy preferences. Using observational data from a sample of military elites and original survey data from a sample of military veterans, I leverage semi-random and non-voluntary assignments to overseas military bases to investigate the relationship between overseas exposure and foreign policy preferences. The data provides evidence that overseas military service increases the likelihood of calling for international engagement, decreases nationalist attitudes, and increases the willingness of military members to assist individual allies. The ability to shape the preferences of military members has important implications for the development of foreign policy and the stability of international engagement.

A composite monotheism? Pakistani state identity and support to the Khalistan movement, post 1984

ABSTRACT Societal constructivists argue that domestic discourses of identity influence foreign policy. After the 1984 pogroms, Pakistan began its efforts to cultivate support among India’s Sikhs. This was predicated on cultivating a shared ‘monotheistic’ identity, which made Sikhism closer to Islam, as compared to Hinduism/India. The paper analyzes how the Pakistani state crafted this narrative using the popular radio show ‘Talqeen Shah’, and also delve into its wider conceptual implications. Specifically, we illustrate how the Pakistani state, even after undergoing Islamization under the Zia regime, projected an external identity that was at odds with its dominant representation.

International Relations in the Conditions of Historical, Political and Religious Transformations in the Qajar State

The presented article examines the religious factor in the domestic policy of Catherine II and the Babid uprising in the socio-political life of the Qajar State. The influence of Russian foreign policy on the South Caucasus is explored; relations between Russia and the Azerbaijani khanates; foreign policy and diplomacy of Agha Mohammed Qajar and the Qajar princes. The historical, political and religious processes in the Qajar State from the late 18th to the mid-19th centuries are analyzed, echoing the modern situation in Iran, both in domestic and foreign policy. An objective study of these problems by an Azerbaijani scientist is a kind of contribution to the scientific thought of the Middle East. The history of the Qajar State in the context of the political interests of the state, interpreted with a religious factor, lifts the veil from the former theological experience of suppression of secular power by religious, which the Qajars had to reckon with in the late Middle Ages. The paradox is that this factor is present in modern Iran, which is why internal unrest occurs, which affects foreign policy relations with secular Azerbaijan, professing Shiism and other cultural countries. More recently, a series of events in the issue of the Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict and Iran’s support for Armenia sowed the seeds of hostility between Azerbaijan and Iran. But conceptual logic dictated an orientation towards peace and cooperation, the key factors of which were the strengthening of vector logical and economic ties under the North-South project along the western coast of the Caspian Sea and the launch of the Rasht-Astara railway line.

TURKEY AND GLOBAL LEADERSHIP: THE ROLE OF TURKISH PUBLIC DIPLOMACY IN FOREIGN POLICY

The article analyzes the role of public diplomacy in Turkey's foreign policy. In connection with the stated problem, the concepts of "soft power" and public diplomacy, which are implemented by the ruling elite of Ankara to promote Turkish history, culture, language and values abroad, are examined. The authors examine various institutions of Turkish public diplomacy such as the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), the Disaster Management Authority (AFAD), the Yunus Emre Foundation, the Turkish Broadcasting Company (TRT), the Anadolu Agency (AA) and a number of others that promote an attractive image of the Republic of Turkey. The activities of the Ministry of Public Diplomacy are emphasized. It is emphasized that the establishment of this body was an important step in the formation of a new "identity" of the Republic of Turkey on the world stage. In turn, this ministry has systematized cooperation and coordination between state institutions and non-governmental organizations in their activities related to public diplomacy. The authors pay special attention to the national doctrine of "Zero Problems with Neighbours". Through concrete examples, Turkey's gradual increase of its political, diplomatic and humanitarian presence in the Middle East region is demonstrated, applying soft power strategy in such a way as to ensure its role as a mediator in resolving the region's problems. It is noted that in addition to the aforementioned region, Turkey seeks co-operation with the EU, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and more recently with African countries. The authors conclude that public diplomacy plays an important role in Turkey's foreign policy. In particular, Turkey will continue its course of expanding its foreign policy influence in the coming years. This fact in the future will lead to the formation of a new political bloc in the international arena, which will entail a new balance of power and lead to the formation of a "world that is bigger than five".

EXPLORING THE ROLE OF DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE MALAYSIA IN ENHANCING THE EFFICIENCY OF PRODUCTIVE WELFARE

This research investigates the role of the Malaysian Social Welfare Department in optimizing productive welfare programs, focusing on poverty alleviation, and enhancing the lives of the B40 group. The study encompasses a qualitative exploration, engaging senior officials from the department and experts in social sciences, primarily through in-depth interviews. The pivotal concern of poverty has led to the establishment of welfare programs in Malaysia, with key objectives revolving around improving cooperation among stakeholders and addressing capacity-building challenges within the department. This study's significance lies in pinpointing weaknesses in welfare program implementation and aims to refine policies and coordination among relevant agencies. The research employs variables such as inter-agency cooperation, capacity building, monitoring mechanisms, community involvement, and policy influence, as derived from a comprehensive literature review on welfare and social development. The study utilized a qualitative research methodology, particularly Basic Qualitative Inquiry, focusing on the Malaysian Social Welfare Department. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with five participants, including senior department officials and esteemed academics in social sciences. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis, exploring core themes emerging from the interviews. Findings emphasized the pivotal role of comprehensive monitoring and structured collaboration among stakeholders. The discussions underscored the importance of tailored staff training, policy review, insights from foreign models, and community engagement as critical elements for improving welfare programs. In conclusion, the study offers a comprehensive overview of the Malaysian Social Welfare Department's role in welfare programs, proposing a Productive Welfare Improvement Model (MPKP) and synthesizing the findings. MPKP encompasses monitoring, collaboration, staff capacity building, policy review, insights from foreign models, policy influence, and community engagement. Aligned with the 2 Years Exit Program (2YEP), MPKP promises to strengthen welfare initiatives and drive poverty alleviation, thereby contributing to a brighter future for all Malaysians.

Gabriel's Failed Revolution of 1800: Causes and Prerequisites

This work is devoted to a very little-studied topic of the Virginia Slave Conspiracy led by Gabriel and is the first study of this issue in Russian historiography. The present article analyzes in detail the causes and prerequisites of the failed uprising of 1800. At the same time, the author relies on the published materials of the trial and the works of leading Western researchers. 
 The first part is devoted directly to the history of studying this issue. Using historical-genetic and retrospective methods, the author traces the influence of foreign policy, domestic political, social, economic, demographic, socio-cultural factors on the formation of a socially explosive situation in Virginia by 1800, and
 also identifies a number of subjective reasons and prerequisites for a slave conspiracy, such as: motives of personal revenge and banal miscalculations of the authorities who did not take proper measures. At the same time, the main emphasis is on comparing approaches and substantiating the complex of causes and
 prerequisites in Western historiography.
 As a result, the author comes to the conclusion that in the case of Gabriel's conspiracy, it is not just about a failed uprising, but about the emergence in Virginia of the late XVIII – early XIX centuries of a real revolutionary situation, the formation of which was facilitated by a combination of interrelated factors.
 The results of the research conducted in this article can be used in research and teaching activities related to the study of American history and the history of the African-American people (Black History).

Continuity and change in Saudi Arabia’s development and humanitarian aid

This paper delves into the motivations and drivers behind Saudi Arabia’s foreign aid, shedding light on the interplay between geopolitics, religious affinity, and strategic objectives. Drawing on newly released empirical data from the Saudi Aid Platform (SAP) dataset, encompassing 47 years of aid delivery, the study seeks to answer the long-standing debate surrounding the factors shaping Saudi Arabia’s foreign aid decisions. The study focuses on two pivotal periods: the Bosnian War and the post-Arab Spring era. By examining Saudi aid allocations during these periods, we investigate the influence of foreign policy and geostrategic objectives versus the humanitarian needs of the recipients. Religious ideology, geopolitical interests, and strategic objectives drive Saudi Arabian aid. The study reveals that Saudi Arabia adopts a value-neutral strategic approach. The research contextualises these findings within geopolitical events, regional dynamics, and internal governance changes, providing insights into the factors influencing Saudi Arabia’s aid allocation decisions. By examining Saudi Arabian aid’s historical patterns and drivers, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of one of the world’s largest foreign aid providers. Additionally, it offers valuable insights for shaping effective aid strategies and policies in the future.

Actorness of Small Power: The Case of Qatar

Historically, in the system of international relations, small states have been the object of power, not its source. However, at present there is an increasing involvement of small states in international processes and a continuing re-definition of their role in the international system. The foreign policy of Qatar is a perfect case to study these processes and to test the new theories. The article is devoted to the consideration of the tools of Qatar's foreign policy influence, which it successfully uses to protect and promote its own interests. Considering that this state is limited in terms of strategically important factors, such as area, population, diversity of natural resources, it has managed to gain significant importance in international affairs in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East. This is due to a successful combination of the following factors: wealth, the image of a stable, progressive, and investment-friendly country and active diplomacy, which together make up its power potential.

Influence of foreign trade policy on the development of foreign trade and tourism

The article examines various instruments of foreign trade policy and the main theories that justify the use of foreign trade policy measures.

Чуднівська кампанія 1660 року на сторінках рукопису К. Гоффмана «Історія Яна Казимира»

The purpose of the article is to determine the scientifi c value of a part of the un- published manuscript by the Polish researcher K. Hoff man, dedicated to the Chudniv campaign of 1660. Th e methodological foundations of the study are based on the application of theoreti- cal principles of historical cognition (objectivity, historicism, comprehensiveness, systematicity and alternatives) and specifi c historical methods (problematic-chronological, systematic analy- sis, historical-comparative, retrospective, synchronous and diachronic). Th e scientifi c novelty is an attempt to clarify and analyze the structure, content, and approximate time of appearance of the work “History of Jan Kasimir” for the fi rst time in historiography. An important aspect of the research is the study of K. Hoff mann’s views on the events of the Chudniv campaign. Conclu- sions. It was found out that the manuscript “History of Jan Casimir” by K. Hoff mann is an original work written in the 40s of the 19th century in France. Th e researcher saw the reasons for the resumption of the military confl ict in 1660 in two aspects: 1) the reluctance of the Ukrainian authorities and society in general to fulfi ll the terms of the Treaty of Hadiac; 2) increasing the foreign policy infl uence of Muscovy on the lands of Cossack Ukraine. K. Hoff man rightly drew attention to the mistakes of the strategic and operational scale of the Russian General Staff when planning off ensive actions. Despite the unfortunate course of events in the initial phase of the campaign, the situation for the Moscow-Ukrainian army was not critical and had a chance to change in their favor aft er the withdrawal to Chudnov. Th e author considered the Battle of Slobodyszce as one that did not determine the winner, pointing out signifi cant casual ties on both sides. Th e signing of the Chudniv Agreement and the surrender of V. Sheremetiev’s army were an undeniable triumph of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. At the same time, a negative consequence of the expedition was the terrible situation of the Polish army, which suff ered heavy losses during its conduct.

THE BATTLE OF NATIONS IN THE OFFICIAL GERMAN DISCOURSE OF THE 20TH CENTURY: THE GERMANS AND THEIR ALLIES

The article deals with the problem of transforming the images of the Sixth Anti-French Coalition participants, who took part in the Battle of the Nations near Leipzig. This main problem is based on the official German periodical press of the 20th century. The changes in the images’ interpretation of former allies, who became enemies, occurred in the numerous transformations, that took place in the sphere of ideology and in the German state structure in the short 20th century. German external relations in different historical periods, as well as the ideology supported in the country, played an equally important role in the process explored in the article. The author reveals the goals pursued by German officials when referring to the historical images of the former allies. The following characteristic features of the images of the participants of the anti-French coalition are highlighted: British, Austrians, Russians. The following conclusions are drawn about the influence of the country's foreign and domestic policy on changes in the official discourse around the contribution of the allies in the Sixth Coalition to the victory near Leipzig.

The influence of Chinese foreign policy think tanks on China’s EU policy: a comparative analysis of CIIS and SIIS

The influence of Chinese foreign policy think tanks on China’s EU policy: a comparative analysis of CIIS and SIIS

“Smart Power” Phenomenon in the PRC’s Foreign Policy in the Asia-Pacific Region

The article reveals relevant aspects of China’s smart power policy applied to the Asia-Pacific region. Smart power is considered as a synthesis of soft and hard diplomatic strategies, which allows modern China to effectively achieve its foreign policy goals in the region. Problems of realization of “soft power” policy are noted, factors of counteraction to strengthening China’s foreign policy influence in the Asia-Pacific region are revealed.

‘“Sovexportfilm” as an Actor of Ideological Influence during the Cold War

During the Cold War exporting films was not only a means of obtaining commercial benefits from distribution in foreign countries, but also an important instrument of ideological influence. In the USSR, the All- Union Association “Sovexportfilm” served these functions selling Soviet film products as well as purchasing foreign films. The purpose of the article is to study the methods and principles of propaganda of “Sovexportfilm” in its work with foreign states within the framework of the foreign policy pursued by the USSR. The article examines the main aspects of the organizational activities of “Sovexportfilm”, the history of the creation and reorganization of the association, the mechanisms and efficiency of its work. The specifics of the export of products to the countries of Western Europe, the USA, Latin America, the countries of Asia and Africa are determined. The article pays particular attention to a comparative analysis of the principles of conducting propaganda aimed at foreign countries employed by the USSR and the United States as far as a number of aspects are concerned, including organizational activity, production capacity, and repertoire policy. The analysis of the sources enables to trace the main stages of the development of “Sovexportfilm” as an agent of foreign policy influence, to identify the shortcomings in the system of export of film, and also to highlight the reasons for the failure of the association’s activities in the last stages of the Cold War. Based on the results of the study, the author comes to the conclusion that “Sovexportfilm”, initially possessing a powerful starting potential for promoting Soviet films abroad, due to a number of objective factors and mistakes in organization of its work by the 1980s, ceased to perform the function of spreading ideological influence through the Soviet cinema.

Ibrahim az-Zakzaky and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria

The article examines the history of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IDN), a Shiite religious organization founded by Ibrahim al-Zakzaki in Zaria in Northern Nigeria. IDM consider itself as an independent socio-political actor that does not recognize the legitimacy of the official government of the country. It is shown that the purpose of the IDN is to create a theocratic Islamic state in Nigeria. IDN is most active not only in the northern states of the country, but has also found supporters in neighboring countries – Niger, Cameroon, Chad, Burkina Faso, Ghana. The birth of the Movement and its rapid expansion coincided with the Iranian Revolution of 1979, the ideals of which were promoted by the leaders of the IDN. Over the more than 40-year history of its presence in Nigeria, this organization has been able to achieve a fairly broad support of the population, and the share of its members in the 2010’s was up to 17% of all Muslims in the country. Having originated in the university environment, IDN initially recruited representatives of the educated elite, dissatisfied with social injustice, government corruption and lack of ways of self-realization. Subsequently, by promoting the corresponding egalitarian ideals, IDM attracted broad segments of the population. This was facilitated by the experience of successful implementation of socially significant projects in rural areas. Financial and methodological support in the implementation of various IDN projects, including educational ones, was provided by Iran through various channels. The growing popularity of the Movement, coupled with its politicization, became the main reason for its ban by the Nigerian government. At the same time, the authorities, judging by such decisive steps, saw serious political risks in the existence of the IDM, perceived as an agent of foreign policy influence – in addition to the legal ban, it also used repressive tools to suppress this organization. Despite the efforts of the Nigerian authorities, the IDM continues its "underground" existence. The authors consider that the strategy chosen by the official authorities – control of the activities of foreign states in Nigeria and the repression of IDM members – turned out to be ineffective, and deradicalization and depoliticization of this organization is possible only through solving social problems.

Государственная молодёжная политика и её концептуальные направления для социально-экономического и культурного развития страны

Under conditions of global challenges and threats to the country’s national security, young people are the most vulnerable to foreign policy influence and formation of views and values that are alien and not applicable to our country and do not correspond to our national ideology. At the same time, young people are the driving force that influences and will influence political and economic processes in the country and in the world, determine the future development directions of the civilization and the states. According to the author, education, training and professional development of Russian youth should be developed on the systemic basis taking into account the strategic directions of the Russian state development, its sovereignty and integral unity preservation. And that is the determination of the topic relevance of the article. The purpose of the study is to scientifically comprehend the impact of state youth policy, which is based on the conceptual directions of youth policy development strategy, on socio-economic stabilization and Russia’s cultural development. Dialectical, systemic and structural-functional methodological approaches, as well as methods of statistical and comparative analysis are used in the article. The author made a review of the priority areas of state youth policy taking into account the opinions of political scientists, sociologists, historians and economists. As a result, the reasons and conditions for the development and discussion of key areas of youth work in the coming years, and the monitoring results of youth participation in the programs and projects under conditions of geopolitical instability are summed up. In addition, conceptual directions of formation and implementation of state youth policy for socio-economic and cultural transformations in the country are formulated.

Religious and Economic Soft Power in Ghana-Turkey Relations

Turkey’s government seeks to apply both “religious soft power” and “economic soft power” to increase its influence in Ghana. Turkey’s religious soft power relationship with Ghana is exemplified by Turkey’s paying for construction of a new national mosque in the African country, at a cost of USD 10 million. Turkey’s economic soft power relationship with Ghana is exemplified by both considerable recent investments and in fast-growing bilateral trade. The overall aim of the government of Turkey is to increase the country’s influence in Ghana, part of a wider initiative to expand its regional influence in Africa. Ghana is important to Turkey as it is regarded as a strategically important African country, one of the region’s few democracies and an economic success. The paper assesses Turkey’s various forms of influence in Ghana and considers what Turkey hopes to achieve in foreign policy terms. The paper is in four sections. The first examines religious soft power and Turkey–Ghana relations, noting that recently they have become closer and more cordial, involving both religious and non-religious aspects. The second section examines Muslims’ traditionally marginal political position in Ghana and explains that over time Muslims have become more politically assertive, open to external religious influences, including from Turkey, a country well known to use religious soft power to try to expand its foreign policy influence. The third section assesses recent Ghana-Turkey relations, including the expansion of Turkey’s economic soft power, with three examples: the national mosque, encouraging Islamic education, and mutual desire to quell the activities of what the government of Turkey refers to as the “Fethullah Terrorist Organisation”. The section also considers the role of Turkey’s economic soft power in increasing the country’s presence in Ghana. The concluding section argues that the government of Turkey uses several techniques to increase its influence in Ghana, including both religious soft power and economic soft power. The government of Ghana broadly welcomes Turkey’s influence from both religious and economic perspectives: from a religious point of view, Turkey’s Sunni orthodoxy is seen as very unlikely to stimulate radicalization among Ghana’s Muslims, while Turkey’s economic presence is welcomed as an important means to help further build Ghana’s economy.

Unprecedented law: protecting the Russian financial system against the impact of sanctions

The subject of this article is the special economic measures adopted by the Russian Federation to counter the sanctions imposed by a number of states (the United States, the United Kingdom, some EU countries) at the beginning of 2022. The article reviews the concept of “economic sanctions” and its main goals. The author analyzes the experience of sanctions against such countries as Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela, including the reasons for imposing restrictions and their economic consequences. Particular attention is paid to the economic measures imposed against Russia and their unprecedented nature. Besides, the main response measures of the Russian Federation are studied. It was proved that despite the negative consequences, the sanctions did not collapse the Russian economy, as predicted by Western leaders. The author makes conclusion concerning effectiveness and timeliness of the taken protective measures. Moreover, it was found that the sanctions led to extremely negative consequences for the financial system of the countries that imposed restrictions contrary to the ideas related to economic efficiency. This indicates the extremely destructive nature of economic sanctions as an instrument of foreign policy and economic influence.

The church and religious situation in Central and Eastern Europe in the first third of the 15th century

The church and religious situation in Central and Eastern Europe in the first half of the 15th century, which changed dynamically under the influence of both foreign policy and internal church factors, was analysed. The Western Church was able to emerge from the process known to historians as the Great Schism only after the proclamation of the principle of conciliarism at the Council of Constance (the idea of reviving the ecumenical (general) councils); a single pope was elected, which meant the victory of the synodal model in governing the Latin Church. The condemnation of Jan Hus’s views as heretical at this council and his burning caused a great resonance in Czech society, and gave impetus to the development of the Hussite movement, which had a reformist religious and political character. Hussies found a response in the Kingdom of Poland.From the end of the 14th century changes in church life on the Ukrainian lands were becoming visible. Kyiv gradually lost its role as the religious centre for the Eastern Slavs. At a time when the patriarchs of Constantinople insisted on preserving the unity of the Metropolitanate of Kyiv, Grand Duke Vytautas of Lithuania did not want to subordinate his lands to the metropolitan who came under the control of the Moscow princes, so he insisted on dividing the Metropolitanate of Kyiv into Lithuanian and Moscow. He sought the ordination of Gregory Tsamblak as Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Rus.During the first decades of the 15th century in the eastern territories of the Kingdom of Poland and in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, a network of Catholic parishes was formed, not only in cities but also in rural areas. Until 1430, all Catholic bishoprics on the Ukrainian lands were endowed with land holdings and other income.At that difficult time, the idea of the unity of the two Churches, the Western and the Eastern, did not disappear. It was argued that the unification of the Churches would make it possible to achieve the unity of the completely Christian world against the Turks. The Council of Constance launched a series of negotiations between Constantinople and the Apostolic Capital. King Wladyslaw of Poland and Duke Vytautas of Lithuania supported the idea of the unity of the Churches. Due to the threat of Turkish attacks on the Byzantine capital, a unification council proved impossible.

Australia Foreign Policy Effect On Indonesia Post Independence of Timor Leste

As initially, Australia supported the integration of Timor Leste into the Republic of Indonesia, many events occurred which caused the relationship between Indonesia and Australia to be slightly disturbed. The changes that have taken place in Australia's relationship with Indonesia illustrate the real effects of Timor-Leste's independence. As a result of Australia's role in the East Timorese independence process, its relationship underwent many changes, especially in the political and military fields. The changes taking place in military relations are evident. First, the Agreement on Mutual Security (AMS) was released. Second, the joint training was cancelled, and the troops that used to work together became enemies. Eventually, Australian arms sales to Indonesia were stopped. Changes in the political and diplomatic sphere, including all political visits, were cancelled, and politicians within Australia and Indonesia publicly denounced others. Furthermore, cooperation within the global framework is limited, and the Ambassador's 'high alert' status is. Overall, Australia's relations with Indonesia became hostile. This study aims to determine how the influence of Australian foreign policy on Indonesia after the independence of Timor Leste. This research shows that the independence of Timor Leste and Australia's role in this process directly influenced government relations between Australia and Indonesia. Most Indonesians view the Australian government's actions and policies as separate from its relationship with Australian citizens. However, the relationship between people must still be considered when making policies about Indonesia because of widespread reactions to Australia's role in the East Timorese independence process.