Theory Of Foreign Policy Research Articles

Neoclassical realism(s) vis-à-vis other theories of foreign policy: taking the indistinguishability problem seriously

Neoclassical realism (NCR)’s opponents have considered it an incoherent and indistinctive approach because of its interest in addressing ideational and institutional factors. Specifically, they have denounced NCR’s fuzzily established internal and external conceptual boundaries, corresponding to central dimensions of this approach’s ‘indistinguishability’ problem. Even though NCR has responded in a sophisticated manner to its critics, such a response still falls short of advancing some subtle strategies to forge NCR’s theoretical identity and research design. To fill this gap, I distinguish several neoclassical realist theories (Types I, II, IIA, IIB and III) to clarify NCR works’ common ground and the several options available to the analyst to cope with the indistinguishability problem’s internal dimension. Furthermore, I compare neoclassical realist theories with organizational, bureaucratic, realist, liberal and constructivist approaches to foreign policy to discuss the indistinguishability problem’s external dimension. Dealing with this dimension entails acknowledging that neoclassical realist theories provide a top-down, as compared to a bottom-up approach to explain foreign policy as a policy rather than a process. It also provides a thorough explanation rather than a parsimonious account aimed at distinguishing independent and intervening variables. With different intensities, neoclassical realist theories embrace specific, refined logics of consequentialism rather than appropriateness to explain distinct state preferences rather than assuming power maximization or security seeking as pre-fixed state goals.

Derecognition Diplomacy: a Study of Morocco’s Foreign Policy on the Western Sahara

Summary International recognition, and its revocation, derecognition, have important legal and practical implications. This article addresses the issue of derecognition as a foreign policy strategy answering the question: what are the strategies that origin states pursue to achieve the derecognition of contested states? Analysis of the foreign policy of Morocco towards the Western Sahara shows that origin states do indeed seek derecognition as a policy goal, primarily using economic and domestic political tools. International law and identity linkages appear to play a more rhetorical than influential role. Power politics is notably absent from recogniser state decision-making, but lack of great power interest may foster the sense of ambiguity under which derecognition thrives. This article provides a theory of derecognition foreign policy; a taxonomy of recogniser states into holdouts, reversers and cyclers; and a plausibility probe of the relationship between recogniser states and their associated foreign policy tools.

China's Response To Indonesia's Policies In The North Natuna Sea

Problems: The North Natuna Sea has emerged as a point of contention between China and Indonesia. This research delves into the ambiguity and potential conflict within China's response to Indonesia's actions in the region. Purpose: This research aims to examine China's response to Indonesia's North Natuna Sea policies. And also Investigate Indonesia's policy regarding North Natuna Sea map issuance. Methodology: Qualitative research methods are employed, primarily involving an extensive review of existing literature. The analysis relies on a descriptive approach, drawing from foreign policy theory and geopolitical theory. Results/Findings: Indonesia's bold move in 2017, Indonesia officially inaugurated the North Natuna Sea Map. Objectives were clear, demarcate territorial boundaries, maximize resource utilization, and advance maritime ambitions. There is China's Ambiguous Response that took three forms. Coercive Response, China asserted dominance via the controversial Nine Dash Line and military force deployment within Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the North Natuna Sea. Persuasive Response, Diplomatically, China argued for South China Sea sovereignty, including the Nansha Islands and their waters. President Xi Jinping advocated mutual respect among neighboring countries. Dialogic Response, China engaged in diplomatic dialogues through forums like ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) and ASEAN-China Political Consultative Mechanism (PCM) to reduce regional tensions, seeking mutual agreements.Bottom of Form Paper Type: Geopolitical Issue Keywords: North Natuna Sea, UNLCOS, ZEE

Implementation of Saudi Vision 2030 Towards Saudi Arabia’s Internationally Open Tourism Industry

The existence of globalization encourages access to worldwide economic development that does not solely rely on one sector, especially in the tourism sector. Saudi Vision 2030, in foreign policy theory, is perceived as Saudi Arabia’s strategy to diversify the country’s economy. The decline in global oil prices has resulted in the swelling of the state deficit. Under the leadership of Prince Muhammad bin Salman, the Saudi Arabian Government undertook efforts to diversify the revenue sector, aiming to reduce the country’s economic dependence on crude oil exports. Through Vision 2030, tourism is prioritized as a significant contributor to state revenue. The development of tourism components and the opening of new tourist destinations are forms of implementation initiated by the government based on the Saudi Vision. This research combines the theory of foreign policy and tourism concepts employed by the government of Saudi Arabia. The qualitative research method uses secondary data from literature studies, including journals, books, official websites, and articles. The results indicate that the realization of Saudi Vision 2030 in the tourism industry is through the development of tourism components in hotels, transportation, and restaurants and the opening of new tourist destinations, specifically in culture and adventure tourism

Primakov Readings-2023: modern realities, results and recommendations

The article examines the results and recommendations of the Primakov Readings held on November 27–28, 2023, which are the main scientific and expert forum for international diplomats, economists and lawyers in our country and abroad. They confirmed this reputation in the past year, bringing some clarity to the current state of the international relations environment, the content and nature of the world order, the situation around globalization and other trigger points in the theory and practice of international relations, foreign policy and diplomacy. In particular, in the speeches of the heads of various international structures and organizations, a new assessment was made of the passing era of globalization, the state of the world order and the system of international relations as a whole; a conclusion was made about the inevitability of changing the unipolar world order to a multipolar one, and the main participants in the transformation of the modern world order and those influencing this the process is factual.

Transformation of Iran's Foreign Policy Post-Ebrahim Raisi: Analysis of Nuclear Strategy, International Relations, and Middle Eastern Geopolitics

In the midst of constantly changing global political dynamics, foreign policy becomes a primary reflection of how a country navigates international challenges and opportunities. Under Raisi's leadership, Iran was known for its hardline and confrontational approach towards the West, while strengthening its relationships with Eastern powers such as China and Russia. Raisi's approach also focused on increasing economic self-sufficiency through resistance to international sanctions. Following Raisi's death, Iran is at a critical juncture in determining the direction of its foreign policy. Therefore, this research aims to analyze Iran's foreign policy after Raisi's leadership to understand whether Iran will continue the hardline strategy implemented by Raisi or adopt more moderate foreign policy reforms. This study focuses on the implications for nuclear strategy, relations with Western countries, and geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. Using foreign policy theory and policy analysis approaches, this research is expected to provide an in-depth understanding of the direction of Iran's foreign policy post-Raisi's leadership, as well as the potential adoption of more moderate strategies in facing international challenges and opportunities. The research reveals that under President Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran's foreign policy blends pragmatism with traditional ideological principles. His administration is committed to alleviating economic pressures from Western sanctions through inclusive diplomacy and constructive dialogue, aiming to ease or remove these sanctions and revive the JCPOA to enhance economic stability. Regionally, Pezeshkian supports the Axis of Resistance, reinforcing Iran's influence in the Middle East by backing allied militias and fostering strategic alliances with global powers like Russia. Pezeshkian's approach balances military support for regional allies with economic diplomacy to secure Iran's strategic and economic interests.

Australia’s Pacific Step-Up Foreign Policy as a Response to the Increase of China’s Influence in the Pacific

Abstract
 The Pacific region has become highly geopolitical due to its economic, strategic, and military significance. Pacific Island countries face several challenges that they are striving to address because many Pacific Island nations have limited resources in terms of finances and skilled human resources, lack of access to technology, capacity building, and economic development, on the other side is prone to natural disasters such as cyclones, tsunamis, and earthquakes, also face challenges in providing adequate healthcare and education services, and are especially vulnerable to climate change whose impact may vary. The issue then becomes the reason for regional and global powers like Australia and China to exercise their capability and aim to fulfill their respective national interests to extent their influence in the region through their foreign policy. Influence pertains to a country’s ability to affect other nations' or international entities' decisions, actions, and behaviors. This research uses qualitative methods and foreign policy theory to address the issue further. In this research, Australia emphasizes its foreign policy to the Pacific using The Pacific Step-Up programme to pursue their interest as a long-standing partner and its neighborhood’s guardians and counter China’s growing presence and influence in the region.
 Keywords: Australia, China, Foreign Policy, Pacific

Sweden, NATO and the role of diasporas in foreign policy

Abstract When and how do diasporas influence the foreign policy of liberal democratic states? Few studies have sought to conceptualize how diasporas affect strategic bilateral relations between states. We argue that these non-state actors are an increasingly important factor in western liberal democratic societies, which challenge traditional theories of foreign policy. To explore when and how the transnational societal ties and interests of diaspora groups affect foreign and security relations between states, we develop a triadic analytical model of state–diaspora interactions and specify key contextual factors. To illustrate the dynamics at play, we analyse the influence of the Kurdish diaspora in Sweden on Turkish–Swedish bilateral relations in the wake of Sweden's decision to apply for full NATO membership. Our case-study builds on semi-structured interviews as well as news media sources, speeches and official documents. The study shows that the Kurdish diaspora demonstrates an independent role and an ability to shape the policy process due to the permeability of the political system. As a result, the policy-process is becoming more domesticated, thereby constraining the role of the executive. The article contributes important insights to policy-makers and diplomats on what impact transnational state–society relations can have on foreign policymaking.

A New Comprehensive Two-Volume Study on Theories of International Relations in Bulgarian

Abstract The two-volume study, authored and edited by Professor Gotchev, presents a broad range of theoretical approaches and frameworks of analysis in International Relations (IR) and is the most comprehensive textbook on the study of IR theories in Bulgarian. The first volume surveys the essence of political research and philosophical aspects of social science, the grand debates in IR and the main approaches—realism, liberalism, and Marxism. It also reviews critical IR theory and examines the importance of international political economy in the discipline of IR. The second volume, which is a collection of essays written by six different US and European scholars, is organised in five different sections and focuses on a broad range of grand approaches to IR and middle-range theories. The former include constructivism, the English School, postmodernism and poststructuralism, feminism, and green theory; the latter deal with a broad set of frameworks, such as behavioural, psychological and integration theories, theories of foreign policy, cooperation, alliances, and international organisations. Special attention is paid to geopolitics.

Laos-China Cooperation in the Construction of High Speed Railway: A Perspective of Foreign Policy

This article addresses Laos' motivations for working with China on their proposed high-speed train and railway projects. Due to its lack of access to land channels, Laos chooses to conduct its commercial and tourism cooperation with China through the BRI initiative, which is China's foreign strategy in establishing relations with ASEAN nations. We use the theory of foreign policy (FPA) to address several justifications for Laos' participation in China's high-speed rail and fast train projects. We found five reasons why Laos should join China: First, China's location allows for communication with landlocked Laos through the construction of the Laos High Speed Railway; second, China's demographics can help Laos become more prosperous; third, Laos relies on China's natural resources to match the Lao population's consumption level; fourth, China's political system has improved bilateral ties with Laos giving Laos hope that long-term collaboration may be created with China through the construction of transportation infrastructure in the form of the China-Laos High-Speed Railway; and fifth, Laos's economic prowess can assist with commerce and provide funding for growth between Laos and China.

Indonesia’s pro-people foreign policy: the protection of Indonesian women migrant workers in Malaysia in 2022

This study investigates the Indonesian government's strategies to safeguard its informal sector in Malaysia, which has experienced considerable human rights violations and exploitation. Such incidents breach both the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Law No. 18 of 2017 on the Indonesian migrant workers' protection. Utilizing the pro-people foreign policy theory and the citizen protection concept, this research explores the government's responses to these issues as a protective measure for its citizens. Employing a qualitative descriptive method, data was gathered through library studies. The findings reveal that the Indonesian government, in its bid to protect indonesian women migrant workers in malaysia by 2022, has publicly criticized the Malaysian government, implemented a Moratorium, and pushed for immediate bilateral meetings between the two nations. Hence, the study concludes that these efforts have positively influenced the protection of indonesian women migrant workers in malaysia in 2022

"Georgia’s Foreign Policy from Geopolitical Perspective" (2008-2022); Evaluation Based on The James Rosenau’s Foreign Policy Theory

After the Georgian-Russian war in August 2008, the Geopolitical equation for Georgia changed. It lost 20% of its territory. Georgia was an attractive destination for the West from the very beginning of the dissolution of the USSR. Since this country had a suitable geography to replace the energy transfer route to the West, it could achieve membership in NATO and the EU as an Eastern European State. Due to its location between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea, and its Geopolitical superiority, it could open the region to new regional energy projects such as BTC. However, this territorial disintegration suspended Georgia's membership in NATO and the EU, affecting Georgia's foreign policy. Based on the geopolitical characteristics and Rosenau’s foreign policy, which defines the individual and the role of leaders during each government, their decisions reflect differently on the government and society, so the international system is affected by their policies and affecting to their policies. From this viewpoint, the foreign policy of Georgia is derived from the combination of geopolitical elements and James Rosenau’s foreign policy criteria. This descriptive-analytical research is based on data gathering in the library method and it is going to infer the realistic outcomes of foreign policy goals regards to the geopolitics of Georgia based on its leaders' role.

Indonesia's Climate Diplomacy under Joko Widodo

Climate change is a significant global concern due to its potential for long-term detrimental impacts on multiple facets of life. However, prevailing viewpoints on climate change often exhibit a bias towards the interests of the global north, disregarding the needs and vulnerabilities of the Global south. This research utilizes qualitative descriptive methods, integrating theories of international relations, climate diplomacy, and Indonesian foreign policy to offer a comprehensive explanation. Indonesia, being highly susceptible to climate change impacts, plays a pivotal role in addressing this disparity. However, previous studies have overlooked the examination of how Indonesia can optimize its climate diplomacy efforts under President Joko Widodo's leadership. Analyzing Indonesia's climate diplomacy endeavors yields valuable insights for the country's contributions to global climate change solutions and addressing its vulnerabilities. This shapes Indonesia's future perspective on international relations, balancing its interests with the imperative for global cooperation. Indonesia's involvement under the leadership of President Joko Widodo in global climate change efforts is pivotal for fostering an equitable and sustainable future.

Neoclassical Realism as a Theory for Correcting Mistakes: What State X Should Do Next Tuesday

Abstract Neoclassical realism has carved a unique niche by offering a theoretically derived and empirically rich foreign policy analysis framework. Over the years, it has branched out as a theory of mistakes (Type I), a theory of foreign policy (Type II), and a theory of international politics (Type III). This article proposes another challenge to consolidate its offer of a progressive research agenda to position it as a theory for correcting mistakes. The theory of mistakes version differentiates ideal from actual foreign policy. The ideal corresponds to foreign policy that follows the pressures and incentives of the international system; structural realism, the basis for this optimal baseline, is here viewed as a normative theory. If there is a gap between the ideal baseline and the actual outcome, then foreign policy is sub-optimal and therefore costly. According to neoclassical realists, this is the result of the intervention of domestic political processes hijacking foreign policy. It follows that pointing out how to reduce the distorting impact of these domestic variables should help steer foreign policy toward optimality. By identifying the negative consequences that follow from a sub-optimal foreign policy, a theory for correcting mistakes also opens the door to developing prescriptions to manage the inevitable fallout.

Analyzing the Rationality of Ethiopia in Dealing with China’s Support in Infrastructure Development

This article analyzes the rationality of Ethiopia in cooperating with China in restoring the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway project using rational choice theory in foreign policy making. Despite having several alternative ports and other parties to support the project, Ethiopia has chosen the fund from China to support its railway project. The similarity between China and Ethiopia regarding political values is one of the factors in choosing China to work with. The Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) seems to be unapproachable by Western political values that are influenced by the internal condition of the state and tend to emphasize democracy. Therefore, it tends to work with China. Other than that, depending on Djibouti’s port as the most viable seaport in the region to access the sea as a landlocked country has driven Ethiopia to restore the railway as quickly as possible. By considering the Chinese loan system, which did not have many qualifications to lend money, Ethiopia could quickly restore the railway and not miss out on the opportunity to grow its trade through developing its infrastructure.
 Keywords: African infrastructure development, China’s loan, China in Africa, rational choice

Navigating the Impact: Turkey's Foreign Policy Post-2018 US Sanctions on Iran

As a strong ally of the US, Turkey was subject to economic penalties in May 2018 for its continued imports of Iranian oil. Turkey delayed deciding whether to import Iranian oil despite this pressure. The purpose of this study is to examine Turkey's foreign policy about the importation of Iranian oil in 2018. The study uses a qualitative method with an explanatory analysis approach, drawing on the foreign policy theories of Morgan and Palmer, which highlight the objectives of proaction and security. The results show that Turkey's foreign policy goals are more proactive due to two major variables. First, Turkey and the United States do not work together well. Second, Turkey's proaction-oriented foreign policy is influenced by its capabilities, which include military might, alternative alliances, influence both regionally and internationally, and bargaining power. Turkey forms new alliances with Iran, China, and Russia, primarily concentrating on deepening its relationship with Russia. Furthermore, Turkey has a great deal of regional and global influence, as seen by its mediating role in the Syrian Israeli crisis in 2011. Turkey's foreign policy dynamics are further emphasized by its negotiating stance with the United States over the Incirlik zone. In conclusion, Turkey's strategic negotiating positions, alliance preferences, and regional and global capacities all influence its complex foreign policy strategy.

Japan’s Foreign Policy on the Truth of China and North Korea Issues

This article aim to seek after Japan’s Foreign Policy on the threat issues come from external cause, which are North Korea and China. The problems that Japan will respond to are the issue of the raising military strength of China and the launch of ballistic missiles by North Korea in 2021. This article will use the national interest theory and foreign policy theory on how the defence development is done by Japan. The defence development of Japan itself is shown on the Japan’s new proactive pacifism.

Indonesia's Interest in The South-South Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) Policy to Fiji during Joko Widodo’s 2014-2019 Government

This study was conducted to explain Indonesia's interests in the South-South Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) policy towards Fiji in the Joko Widodo administration in 2014-2019. This study uses the theory of national interest and foreign policy. The research method used is descriptive qualitative. The research method is used to explain and explore Indonesia's interests through the SSTC's policy towards Fiji with three interests, namely economic, political and security interests. The results showed that Indonesia chose Fiji as a country to implement the SSTC policy because Fiji is one of the south Pacific countries, especially Melanesian countries and Indonesia still failed to carry out diplomacy with Vanuatu. Fiji is a country that has an important role in the internal organization of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), Fiji's involvement is very large in making MSG policies, because Indonesia's goal of being included in the MSG requires a major country that has an important role in the MSG, Besides Indonesia having economic interests, Fiji provides opportunities big for economic development and new market share for Indonesia in the south Pacific region, considering that this region is very strategic, this region has become the location of a trade war between China and the United States. Indonesia's strategy to gain economic, political and security interests by providing through the implementation of the SSTC policy is a form of great concern for Fiji.

Indonesia's Foreign Policy in Marine Defense Strategy in The Indo-Pacific

In the global interaction with the Indo-Pacific order which is dominated by dynamic contestation issues, the Indo-Pacific system stipulates that Indonesia created the Indo-Pacific concept to advance the habit of inclusivity for dialogue with regional settlements to create peace through building blocks in the region. The author formulates the formulation of the problem in the form of: the development of Indonesia's foreign policy in the strategy of inter-state resilience in the Indo-Pacific region. The purpose of this article is to discuss the Indo-Pacific Integration Project as Indonesia's foreign policy sustainability strategy and provide recommendations for implementation at various levels, including strategic, bilateral and practical levels. The author uses Barry Buzan's national security system and foreign policy theory, namely neo-realism, with the concept of national interest and foreign policy analysis. The role of the military is limited to the capabilities of defense institutions, threat assessment and security interactions. The writer analyzed the data qualitatively using descriptive method with secondary data. The writing analysis in this journal emphasizes the centralization of the Indonesian state as an important actor in influencing conceptions in the Indo-Pacific region. Indonesia's strategy is in the context of the Security Community, the formation of norms and identity in ASEAN is actually a modality that further strengthens values, identity and norms in ASEAN. Indonesia's idea is for ASEAN to have a more inclusive, open and respecting international law, namely the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Outlook (AOIP)

Implementasi Kebijakan Angela Merkel Terhadap Gelombang Pengungsi Timur Tengah

This study aims to analyze the implementation of Angela Markel's policy towards the Middle East refugee wave through the CEAS policy and the Open Door Policy that was implemented, in response to the refugee crisis in Europe in 2015. This is a problem because of the many different perceptions of refugees coming from the Middle East and because Germany is the leader of the European Union in enforcing its members to implement these policies. This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive analysis approach using secondary data. At the national or domestic level, this policy has drawn many protests and criticisms from the public, opposition parties, and Merkel's own party, interest groups and the European Union regarding this policy. Despite receiving many rejections, Merkel remains adamant and continues to implement the policy in Germany, this is because Merkel has a point of view or perception about refugees who must be assisted in seeking protection and security. This study uses the theory of Angela Merkel's Foreign Policy and the Theory of the Copenhagen School in examining the policies issued by Merkel regarding Middle Eastern refugees.