Key Tools of Foreign Policy

Propaganda

One-sided or exaggerated information used by a government to gain support for its policies or to discredit the policies of its enemies.

Boycott

Refusal to buy (Economic Sanction)

Limited Military Response

Short-term military actions

Geopolitical Factors

Size, location, borders, and terrain, control of resources access to water, proximity to allies and foes, and strategic global interests.

Tariffs

Taxes on imports (Trade Restriction)

Diplomatic Relations

The formal contact established between governments.

Foreign Aid

The giving of cash, loans, resources, equipment, weapons, or technical advice.

Power

The state's ability to influence the actions of other nations; when states possess this, they are more likely to achieve their foreign policy goals than those without.

Show of Strength

The strategic positioning of military forces around the world.

Interventionalism

The use/threat of military force to interfere in the internal affairs of other nations. Those who support are called Hawks.

Covert Activities

Undercover or secret operations.

Espionage

Using spies to obtain information about the plans or activities of foreign governments.

National Interest

What is deemed best for a nation's security, economic, and ideological concerns; the basis for state's foreign policy.

Military Power

When a state is strong enough to deter outside attack and has the ability to make its presencne felt overseas.

Economic Power

When a state possesses products or resources that other countries want to buy and has the wealth to buy what other countries want to sell.

Geopolitics

Influence of geography and demographics on a states foreign policy.

Quota

Limits on imports (Trade Restriction)

Ideology

A combination of beliefs values, culture, religion, and historical experience of a nation's people; also refers to a set of ideas concerning government structure, its role in an economy, and societal values.

Foreign Policy

A course of action developed by a country's leaders to pursue the national interests of that state.

War

A declared armed conflict between states.

Realism

A foreign policy approach by which a country seeks to promote its national interests. Realists are pragmatic, actions are determined by what's practical and possible. Their actions are based off of results, not ideology. Stresses the need to do what is necessary and best for one's country. Accepting and dealing with how the world truly is.

Idealism

A foreign policy approach by which a nation seeks to promote universal moral values and ideals such as freedom, democracy, tolerance, equality, and respect for human rights. Stresses the need to do what's morally right and best for the world at large.

Treaties

A formal, written agreement between nations.

National Resolve

A people's shared beliefs about national interests and strong desire to achieve them.

Internationalism

A policy engagement with other nations and active involvement in world affairs. (Opposite of Isolationism).

Unilateralism

A policy in which a country acts alone (typically without consulting its allies).

Multilateralism

A policy in which a country works closely with other nations. Oppose the use of military force without international support.

Non-interventionalism

A policy of not interfering in the internal affairs of other nations. Supporters include anti-war left and some pacifists. Oppose the use of military force.

Isolationism

A policy of withdrawal and non-involvement in world affairs, May employ the policy of appeasement and avoid alliances. (Opposite of Internationalism).

Diplomatic Recognition

Acceptance of another government as the rightful representative of its people.

Trade Restrictions

Actions that discriminate against foreign imports.

Trade Agreements

Agreements to reduce or eliminate trade barriers.

Modern Techonolgy

Allows small countries to compete economically and militarily, as well as potentially overcome disadvantages (such as small size and population and scarce natural resources) that would otherwise hider it.

Alliances

An agreement between nations to protect each other in case of attack.

Subversive Activities

Covert activities designed to undermine or weaken a government.

Embargo

Cutting off all trade (Economic Sanction)

Diplomacy

Dialogue and negotiations between governments.

Withhold Recognition

Diplomatic Sanction Example 1

Recall ones own diplomats

Diplomatic Sanction Example 2

Expel another country's diplomats

Diplomatic Sanction Example 3

Breaking off diplomatic relations

Diplomatic Sanction Example 4

Diplomatic Sanctions

Diplomatic moves meant to punish another government.

Economic Sanctions

Economic punishment

Summit

Face to Face meeting between heads of state.