Foreign policy analysis

Foreign policy analysis (FPA) is the systematic study of and research into the processes and theories of foreign policy.

The study of foreign policy

Foreign policy analysis involves the study of how a state makes foreign policy.Because FPA involves the study of both international and domestic politics, the academic discipline is located at the intersection of international relations theory and public policy. FPA also draws upon the study of diplomacy, war, intergovernmental organisations, and economic sanctions, each of which are means by which a state may implement foreign policy. In academia, foreign policy analysis is most commonly taught within the disciplines of political science or political studies, and international relations.

tages in foreign policy decision making

The making of foreign policy involves a number of stages:

* Assessment of the international and domestic political environment - Foreign policy is made and implemented within an international and domestic political context, which must be understood by a state in order to determine the best foreign policy option. For example, a state may need to respond to an international crisis.

* Goal setting - A state has multiple foreign policy goals. A state must determine which goal is affected by the international and domestic political environment at any given time. In addition, foreign policy goals may conflict, which will require the state to prioritise.

* Determination of policy options - A state must then determine what policy options are available to meet the goal or goals set in light of the political environment. This will involve an assessment of the state's capacity to implement policy options and an assessment of the consequences of each policy option.

* Formal decision making action - A formal foreign policy decision will be taken at some level within a government. Foreign policy decisions are usually made by the executive branch of government. Common governmental actors or institutions which make foreign policy decisions include: the head of state (such as a president) or head of government (such as a prime minister), cabinet, or minister.

* Implementation of chosen policy option - Once a foreign policy option has been chosen, and a formal decision has been made, then the policy must be implemented. Foreign policy is most commonly implemented by specialist foreign policy arms of the state bureaucracy, such as a Ministry of Foreign Affairs or State Department. Other departments may also have a role in implementing foreign policy, such as departments for: trade, defence, and aid.

ome key approaches in FPA

Rational actor model

The rational actor model is based on rational choice theory. The model adopts the state as the primary unit of analysis, and inter-state relations (or international relations) as the context for analysis. The state is seen as a monolithic unitary actor, capable of making rational decisions based on preference ranking and value maximisation.According to the rational actor model, a rational decision making process is used by a state. This process includes:
* Goal setting and ranking.* Consideration of options.* Assessment of consequences.
* Value-maximisation. The rational actor model has been subject to criticism. The model tends to neglect a range of political variables, of which Michael Clarke includes: "political decisions, non-political decisions, bureaucratic procedures, continuations of previous policy, and sheer accident." [M. Clarke, ‘The Foreign Policy System: A Framework for Analysis’, in M. Clarke and B. White (eds) Understanding Foreign Policy: The Foreign Policy Systems Approach (Cheltenham: Edward Elgar 1989), pp.27–59.]

Other models

* Interbranch politics model
* Bureaucratic politics model- In this model decision making is divided among more than one group. Different government agencies make decisions competitively
* Organisational process model
* Self-aggrandisement model- In this model one leader acts on behalf of his or her interests.
* Political process model- In this model the decision making body is effected by many non-governmental actors such as NGOs or the media.

Notes