Foreign Policy Process Research Articles

Seeking Accountability, Legitimacy, and Transparency: Congressional Intervention in the Philippines’ South China Sea Policy

Abstract Why and how did the Philippine Congress intervene in the policies of Arroyo (hedging), Aquino III (balancing), and Duterte (appeasement) on the South China Sea disputes? In particular, why and how did the Philippine Congress challenge each president’s attempt to forge either cooperation or confrontation towards China? Guided by the domestic politics – foreign policy nexus, this article explores the dynamic role of the Philippine Congress in the country’s foreign policy process. It combines comparative case-study and content analysis methods to examine relevant congressional records, government documents, public speeches, and news reports. This article finds that the impetus behind Congress’ intervention was to seek accountability, legitimacy, and transparency via registering a bill or passing a law, filing legislative resolutions, holding congressional hearings, calling for impeachment proceedings, delivering privilege speeches, and issuing press releases. This article offers its empirical and theoretical contributions to broaden current understanding of the relationship between domestic politics and foreign policy.

Peran Faktor Domestik Jepang dalam Kebijakan Investasi Proyek PLTU Batang

Japan is one country that is consistent with green policies both in domestic and foreign policy through the Chonaikai movement and the green industry. The policy cannot be separated from the role of the development of Japan’s green groups that emerged since the world oil crisis of the 1970s. However, in 2011 there was a policy inconsistency marked by an upward trend in Japanese investment in developing coal-based projects. The biggest investment is in Indonesia in the development of the Batang PLTU. Batang PLTU is a national strategic project as a result of the 2005 Infrastructure Summit which is inconsistent with green politics in Japan’s foreign policy. This article analyzes Japan’s supports the Batang PLTU project using Lovell’s foreign policy process approach. This article argues that Japan’s decision to invest in the Batang PLTU project cannot be separated from the existence of information input in the form of domestic demand, domestic opinion, domestic interests, and Japanese domestic needs. This is inseparable from the financial and political power of business groups that are able to indirect lobbying and direct lobbying.

Nature Of Media Diplomacy In Influencing Foreign Policy Decision Making Process In Kenya

The media's diplomatic function has been studied in relation to the advanced communication technologies that have led to the allocation of a more far- reaching role to the media in the conduct of diplomacy. The main research gap that this study aims at covering lies in the actual media diplomacy influence on the foreign policy decision making process at implementation phase. Despite the attention given to the media's potential to affect foreign policy decisions, their involvement is still confined to a largely instrumental role and more importantly, one that influences the process of decision making, rather than the decision outcomes. This study analysed media diplomacy influence on foreign policy decision making process in Kenya at implementation phase. The objective of this study was to examine the nature of media diplomacy in influencing foreign policy decision making process in Kenya. It is established that media plays a complementary role to diplomacy in foreign policy implementation and hence shapes the outcome of foreign policy in Kenya. The article concludes that media diplomacy can play a significant role in the foreign policy implementation. The study hence recommends that Kenya should establish a strong regional media network, an effective diplomatic strategy to bridge the gaps in foreign policy process and train diplomats on effective media relations.

Энергетические проблемы во внешней политике США и ЕС: между независимостью и взаимозависимостью

The article is devoted to the study of energy problems in the foreign policy of the EU and the United States. The analysis of the paper is formed on a cognitive approach in analyzing the foreign policy making process and explores the relationship between energy and foreign policy of the EU and the USA. Based on the comparative method, the study races the role of the energy factor in shaping the foreign policy of the European Union and the United States. Although the US is the world's largest hydrocarbon producer and net exporter of energy, mainly due to its shale deposits, the EU remains the world's largest energy importer. This significant difference provides an opportunity to compare the role of energy in the foreign policy process of the two participants with completely different potential for the production and export, mostly of hydrocarbon resources. The author argues that the energy security strategies of both actors are based on interaction of material and ideological factors, but they have different ideas about the interests that generate their foreign policy behavior.

The post-Lisbon high representatives: an introduction

ABSTRACT The Lisbon Treaty recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The 2009 legal text was an attempt to enhance the unity, consistency and effectiveness of the EU’s action in an increasingly volatile world. And yet, the post-Lisbon time period has been characterised by multiple crises coming from the West, the East, the South, and even from within the EU. Against this backdrop, our Special Issue makes a systematic assessment of the EU's foreign policy post-Lisbon and of its evolution by focusing on the role of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR/VP). Assessing the post-Lisbon HR/VPs provides important insights on EU foreign policy processes over the past decade. In this introduction, we discuss the three research questions that guide our collection of articles, as well as our theoretical and empirical contribution to existing scholarly literature.

The Role of Domestic Factors in the Formulation of Foreign Policy of Pakistan (From 2000-2019)

The foreign policy process involves many internal and external factors. This paper is mainly focusing on some important domestic factors in the formulation of Foreign Policy of Pakistan. Due to Parliamentary form of government, Prime Minister plays a significant role at home and abroad. However, due to the complexity of the foreign policy formulation it also involves President, Foreign Minister, and Parliament along with Prime Minister. However, the role of public opinion and media is also important in this regard. Moreover, foreign policy decisions are also influenced and affected by the responses of public and media. Islamic Republic of Pakistan is an ideological State and ideology also plays a key role in the formulation of the foreign policy. The Islamic ideology provides the foundations of foreign policy of Pakistan since independence.

A Comparative Study of Foreign Language Education Policies Between China and the United States From the Perspective of National Interests

Based on the theory of educational policy, this paper constructs a theoretical analysis framework of foreign language education policy, which makes a comparative analysis of foreign language education policies in China and the United States from three dimensions—the process, content and value of foreign language education policy. We should learn from the advanced experience of the United States and reflect on the research of foreign language education policy in China so as to make suggestions.

An Afrocentric critique of sub-state actors in South Africa’s foreign policy: Case of Limpopo province

Background: Foreign Policy-Making and implementation have traditionally been the domain of the central government. Aim: This article uses Limpopo province as a test case to critique the role of Sub-state actors in South Africa’s foreign policy processes from an Afrocentric perspective. The main argument of this desktop article is that sub-state actors and non-state actors collaborate with central government, the main actor to make and effectively implement foreign policy. Setting: It locates the involvement of the provinces in international relations by reference to the African experience prior to the arrival of colonisers. Methods: This article employs Afrocentric qualitative research methodology as articulated by Asante ( 2007 ), Mazama ( 2001 ), Ntseane ( 2011 ) and Schreiber ( 2000 ) to provide a complete analysis and understanding of sub-state actor’s involvement in South Africa’s foreign policy, by using Limpopo province as a test case study. Results: Limpopo province attracts trade and investment by marketing itself abroad. The province draws skills needed for human resource development by sending officials and students to institutions of higher learning abroad. Even though the province involvement in international relations is not without challenges. Included here are the MOUs that are stalling because of a lack of implementation strategy and skilled personnel, for example, those signed with its counterparts of Sweden, Italy and Cuba. Public participation in the FPM process is very limited because of a number of reasons. Conclusion: This article recommends that the central government should deepen training, dialogue and exchange of ideas between national and provincial officials. In line with conditional grants that they receive, provinces should seek additional funds from the central government to improve, develop and deepen their engagement in international relations. Regular platforms accessible to public members should be established across the province.

UPAYA PENINGKATAN PENGETAHUAN TENTANG MAKANAN JAJANAN DAN PEMERIKSAAN GOLONGAN DARAH PADA MURID SD NEGERI 11 LOLONG BELANTI DI KECAMATAN PADANG UTARA

Murid SD merupakan konsumen paling banyak yang mengkonsumsi makanan dan minuman jajanan yang dijual di sekitar sekolahnya. Menurut penelitian yang telah dilakukan terhadap makanan dan minuman yang dijual di sekitar sekolah banyak mengandung zat yang sangat berbahaya seperti zat pewarna yang sudah dilarang beredar (Rhodamin B pada minuman es, minuman jeli dan sebagainya) dan zat tambahan lainnya yang bisa menyebabkan keracunan baik akut seperti alergi, batuk dan keracunan kronis seperti kanker pada hati, ginjal dan organ lainnya. Oleh karena itulah diperlukan upaya peningkatan pengetahuan kesehatan tentang dampak kesehatan dari makanan dan minuman jajanan pada murid SD Negeri 11 Lolong Belanti Kecamatan Padang Utara. Menurut survei sebelum diadakannya pemeriksaan golongan darah ternyata sebagian besar dari murid SD ini belum mengenal golongan darahnya. Sebelum dilakukan pemeriksaan golongan darah para murid juga diberikan pengetahuan tentang bagaimana cara menentukan golongan darah seseorang dengan metode imunologi. Dari 60 murid yang telah diperiksa ternyata yang mempunyai golongan A: 22 orang, B; 8 orang, AB: 13 orang dan O: 17 orang. Pada waktu diadakannya penyuluhan tentang makanan dan minuman jajanan ternyata murid SD ini sangat serius mendengarkannya dan banyak bertanya tentang dampak kesehatan terhadap tubuh manusia. Sangat diperlukan penyuluhan yang berkesinambungan terhadap murid SD yang ada di kota Padang pada umumnya dan secara khususnya pada SD Negeri 11 Lolong Belanti, Kecamatan Padang Utara karena sangat jarang sekali tim kesehatan datang memberikan penyuluhan tentang kesehatan kepada murid-murid SD ini.

ROLE PLAY GAME: PENGABDIAN KEPADA MASYARAKAT MELALUI EDUKASI PENGAMBILAN KEPUTUSAN DALAM KEBIJAKAN LUAR NEGERI BAGI SISWA SMA DI KOTA PADANG

Pengabdian kepada masyarakat mengenai proses pengambilan keputusan dalam kebijakan luar negeri ini bertujuan untuk menumbuhkan kesadaran akan pentingnya kebijakan luar negeri kepada siswa-siswi Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) di kota Padang. Kebijakan luar negeri sering diidentikkan dengan hal-hal yang bersifat kompleks dan jauh dari ruang lingkup masyarakat umum. Tim pengabdian masyarakat berharap kegiatan ini dapat membantu siswa-siswi SMA untuk memahami proses pengambilan keputusan dalam kebijakan luar negeri. Kegiatan pengabdian dilaksanakan dengan metode ceramah dan role play tentang proses pengambilan keputusan dalam penyusunan kebijakan luar negeri. Pendekatan yang digunakan dalam pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah konsep dari Graham Allison mengenai proses pembuatan kebijakan luar negeri. Kegiatan ini dirancang dalam beberapa tahapan. Pada tahap awal, tim pengabdian mempersiapkan perencanaan. Tahapan kedua yaitu persiapan pendidikan dan tahapan selanjutnya adalah pelaksanaan kegiatan. Dapat disimpulkan kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini dapat memberi pemahaman mengenai pentingnya kebijakan luar negeri. Hasil dari kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini menunjukkan bahwa wawasan peserta kegiatan dalam hal kebijakan luar negeri mengalami peningkatan. Hal tersebut didasarkan kepada beberapa capaian indikator yaitu pemahaman terkait aktor yang berperan dalam perumusan kebijakan luar negeri, faktor yang mempengaruhi kebijakan luar negeri serta dampak dan strategi negara dalam mencapai kepentingan nasional.

Stylized Facts and Comparative Statics in (Social) Science Inquiry

Abstract In a recent article, David Blagden (2019) critiques our research published in the International Studies Quarterly (LeVeck and Narang 2017a), in which we draw on the well-known “wisdom of crowds” phenomenon to argue that, because democracies typically include a larger number of decision makers in the foreign policy process, they may produce fewer decision-making errors in situations of crisis bargaining. As a result, bargaining may fail less often. Blagden's critique focuses on two supposed flaws: first, that “[d]emocracies may have a larger number of more diverse policymakers, of course, but this relationship is not necessary,” and second, that “weighing against the superior ability of large groups to average towards accurate answers, meanwhile, is a substantial drawback of larger groups: the diminishing ability to take and implement decisions” due to additional veto players. In this article, we demonstrate the ways in which we believe Blagden's critique to be misguided in its approach to social science inquiry. In particular, we argue that much of his critique requires that we reject two hallmarks of scientific inquiry: the use of stylized facts in theory building; and the use of comparative statics to generate testable hypotheses.

Tourism: A Tool for Track-two Diplomacy in Promoting People-to-People Relations Between Nepal and China

This paper is a treatise on how citizen diplomacy between Nepal and China could be leveraged by adapting tourism industry as a track two intermediary sector. Believing that the apparent insufficiencies and repudiation created during inter-governmental deliberation through track-one diplomacy could be enhanced through track-two diplomacy as an effective measure, this paper attempts to recognize the role of tourism industry in establishing alternative political channel of communication which pulls the cooperation of track one decision-making that benefits people of Nepal and China. Both nations can draw strength from the diversity that prevails irrespective of uneven size, power potential, historical complexes and different speed in the development. This paper also tries to address the gap in the academic arguments regarding the conceptualization, essence, and practicability of citizen diplomacy in foreign policy processes and explores multiple micro-level themes and actors enhancing citizen diplomacy through the tourism industry in the context of Nepal-China relationships. Based on the aforementioned scene, the researcher situates the experience as an exchange fellow student, vis-à-vis tourism and the peace-through-tourism idea and mention ways of people-to-people engagement for multiple stakeholders.

Nigeria’s Regional Hegemonic Conundrum: The Oil Connection

This article, using documentary analysis, adopts a fresh perspective to understanding why Nigeria, in spite of its exceptional potentials, has not attained hegemonic pre-eminence in Africa. Specifically, it seeks to decipher the central driver of the country’s hegemonic conundrum. It notes and argues that although many endogenous factors, alone or in combination, could have worked and are still at work to undercut Nigeria’s quest for regional hegemony, the central factor is the oil-induced rentier political economy which has not only marginalized the indigenous productive sector, but has also institutionalized rentier culture that had tended to feed into the country’s foreign policy processes and, by extension, diminished its stature in the comity of nations. It concludes that in as much as oil remains the central locus and vertebra of the country’s economy, and the country continues to be presided over by leaders who lack the willpower to strategically diversify the economy and institute effective framework for governing the oil sector, the country’s quest for hegemonic pre-eminence in West Africa is more likely to remain a cherished dream.

Теоретические подходы к анализу процесса принятия внешнеполитических решений в ФРГ

The paper discusses theoretical approaches that can be applied in the study of the decision-making in the foreign policy of the Federal Republic of Germany. The analysis of the mechanisms and patterns of the decision-making in the foreign policy in Germany and the EU is already quite popular in the academia abroad, and it is also developing in Russia. A new comprehensive knowledge of the country’s foreign policy process can be obtained through a systemat-ic study of the features of foreign policy decisions in Germany. Some authors investigate general trends in the country’s foreign policy, while others attempt to explain them by opening its “black box”. The built-up bureaucratic model of the system of deci-sion-making in the field of foreign policy in the par-liamentary democracy of the Federal Republic of Germany is called the “Bureaucratic Policy” (“bür-okratische Politik”). The main legitimate actors of such policy are determined by the «Grundgesetz für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland» (The Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany). Therefore, the bureaucratic mechanisms of foreign policy, through which initiatives are implemented and decisions are made, need to be carefully studied.

CONSTRUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT AS INDONESIA’S FOREIGN POLICY STRATEGY IN PROMOTING DEMOCRATIZATION IN MYANMAR

The emergence of a constructive approach conducted by Indonesian Government towards its bilateral relations with Myanmar known as a form of Indonesia's responsibility to be involved in the settlement of democratic issues and the humanitarian crisis within Myanmar. This approach constructed by regionalism precedent of ASEAN Way Values which reaffirm the consideration of the Indonesian Government in the making process of Constructive Engagement foreign policy to promote democratization in Myanmar. This Strategy opposed disincentive policies implied by Western Countries towards Myanmar. As in its implementation, Constructive Engagement strategy accentuates the attempts of dialogue, consensus and strengthening cooperation between countries to create social and economic development within Myanmar and bring the positive trend in the process of Myanmar's political transition.

Georgia in the U. S. policy towards the South Caucasus during the post-bipolar period

Article studies policy of the United States towards the region of South Caucasus in particular the dynamics of foreign policy process between Georgia and the United States. It is noteworthy that development of these relations has influenced the world leader’s policy towards the region as a whole. Within this context Georgia is seen as a key element of the increasing U. S. influence in the region and the post- Soviet space. With the advent of the U. S. interest in the South Caucasus in the late 1990sbasic political principles were proclaimed, such as strengthening of sovereignty and support for independence of regional countries, resolution of territorial conflicts, and finding ways to reduce Russia’s influence in the region, as well as assistance in the process of internal transformation. The aim of the research is to analyze policy of the world leading actor towards Georgia at the beginning of the 21 st century, identify reasons for American interest in Georgia, and characterize features of cooperation within the process of its democratic transit. The article is a comprehensive study of the U. S. policy towards Georgia and factors that shape it in the context of analysis of bilateral relations’ main aspects.Thus, since the late 1990 s cooperation between the United States and Georgia has been focused on the development of its democratic institutions. Relations with the United States have been of the utmost importance to the Georgian state which needs external support. The country’s aspirations for Euro-Atlantic and European integration have been encouraged for a long time by global leader. Futher more, the geo- strategic location of Georgia and its relations with the region’s countries, what is extremely important in the implementation of regional projects, in particular energy ones, as well as the willingness to serve as a strategic foothold for the U. S. and NATO political influence in the South Caucasus. Another important aspect of cooperation between the countries is the U. S. support provided to Georgia after the Russian aggression of 2008 for the de-occupation of its territories, restoration of its territorial integrity and further strengthening of its democratic institutions.

DYNAMICS OF PARTY COMPETITION IN FOREIGN POLICY DECISION-MAKING PROCESS OF BRAZIL AND CHILE

The study analyzes the decision-making process in foreign policy, examining the governments of the Workers Party in Brazil and the Socialist Party in Chile, investigating how international acts may be the object of legislative and partisan action and, most important, that is subjected to conflict/consensus between government and opposition. Considering the foreign policy as a public policy, the methodological assumption of this study assumed that political parties are important actors in the decision-making process, acting as veto players and influencing international acts from ideological variables and composition of coalitions.

The Growing Role of Parliamentary Diplomacy in a Multipolar World

The development of contemporary world politics puts new demands on the diplomacy of the 21st century that has rapidly transformed into a multilevel and complex system. The remarkable features and, at the same time, imperatives of diplomatic relations include globalization and multipolarity, turbulence and the multifaceted nature of the foreign policy process, rapid accumulation and processing of information, integration and regionalization, increased national consciousness of States, extensive interaction with non-state actors of international law. In the context of this long-term trend, the most important place belongs to the new actors of the foreign policy process that find themselves in the formats of international dialogue often more competitive as compared with formal, classic mechanisms of diplomacy. Thus, currently, public, economic, digital, sports, regional, scientific, and electoral diplomacy are actively manifested as key trends. The institution of parliamentary diplomacy plays a significant role in the implementation of foreign policy goals and objectives. The uniqueness of this diplomatic course is manifested in the fact that it organically combines the features of official diplomacy and public diplomacy, as parliamentarians act as legitimate representatives of their countries, elected through democratic procedures and representing the interests of their constituents. In the Russian Federation, parliamentary diplomacy is recognized as conceptually important, demanded and promising format of global interaction, which has been repeatedly mentioned at high level of the State.

THE CRIMEAN KHANATE IN THE FOREIGN POLICY OF THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE AND THE GOLDEN HORDE (50-70 YEARS OF THE 15TH CENTURY)

In the second half of the XV century, some foreign policy directions of these two countries were tied to a single political factor that was associated with the Crimean Khanate. At this time the Crimean Khan- ate separated from the Golden Horde, trying to live independently. The Crimean rulers received political support from the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire rendered political support to the Crimean khans and established close ties with them. At this time, the Golden Horde was on the verge of decline, but the Horde rulers tried to reconnect to the Crimea. Thus, in the foreign policy of the two powers, the Crimean Khanate has become a new political factor. This scientific article is devoted to the study of foreign policy processes in the 50-70-ies of the XV century, between the Ottoman Empire and the Golden Horde in connection with the Crimean Khanate. One of the main objectives of the study is the foreign policy of the Ottoman Empire in the Crimean peninsula and in the Black Sea region. In the scientific work examines diplomatic contacts between countries, as well as analyzes the foreign policy positions and principles of the rulers of the two sides. Key words: Ottoman Empire, Golden Horde, Crimean Khanate, Crimean Peninsula, Foreign Policy, Ambassadors. &nbsp

Multilateralism and the Use of Force: Experimental Evidence on the Views of Foreign Policy Elites

AbstractInternational relations scholars have found that multilateral approval increases public support for the use of military force and have developed competing explanations for this phenomenon. However, this literature has given little attention to the attitudes of individuals who participate directly in the foreign policy process or shape foreign policy debates. In this research note, we administer a survey experiment to both a cross-section of US foreign policy elites and a nationally representative sample of the US public. We find that US foreign policy elites are more responsive to multilateral approval than the US public, with elites with direct foreign policy decision-making experience valuing it especially highly. These findings point to the importance of considering differences between elites and the public when investigating or theorizing about the impact of multilateral cooperation on domestic politics.