Domestic Politics and Foreign Policy Essay - 1243 Words

Domestic Politics and Foreign Policy Although the aspirations and goals of states are often motivated by external political pressures, analysis of recent foreign policy decisions demonstrates how internal political forces can play equally crucial roles in the pursuit and execution of these objectives. Thus, it would be invalid to claim that domestic politics and the nature of regimes play minor roles in either the goals a state pursues or the means it employs to reach them. By understanding how the diffusion of power in governments affect policy decisions, one can develop increased awareness of the linkages that exist between the internal pressures of domestic politics and the external forces of foreign politics. Before discussing†¦show more content†¦As the commander in chief, the president plays a significant role in shaping foreign policy. The president possesses the power to appoint senior cabinet members, commit troops and conduct high level talks with foreign governments. Congress, on the other hand, has the power to ratify treaties, confirm the president’s appointees and approve budgetary measures. And while the president has the ability to commit troops, only Congress has the authority to declare war. Despite criticisms of the American policy making process describing it as inefficient and slow moving, the main purpose and thus benefit of the constitutional separation of power is the framework of checks and balances that safeguard against monopolization of foreign policy decision making. But despite the provisions outlined in the Constitution outlining the separation of power between the executive and legislative branch in the formulation of foreign policy, congressional influence over foreign policy decisions waned after World War II. During the Vietnam War, the Johnson and Nixon administrations became increasingly secretive and monopolized foreign policy decision authority. Ultimately, however, the growing imbalance of influence of the executive branch in foreign policy decisions led to the creation of the War Powers Act. The Act stipulated that the president was required to report to Congress within 48 hours after theShow MoreRelatedImpact Of Domestic Politics On German Foreign And Security Policy1648 Words   |  7 PagesDiscuss the impact domestic politics has on German foreign and security policy. Germany is arguably one of the key global political actors. It’s extremely prominent, especially within international relations, and is also regarded as being economically, politically and geographically at the center of Europe. 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The paper will also describe the Russian commitments and its national security relationships with the United States. Question one. National purpose of Russia Russia is keen to increase her economic growth, protect the security of her peopleRead MoreBureaucracies Help More than They Hinder Foreing Policy Making1600 Words   |  6 Pagesinternational sphere. Foreign policy is a crucial tool for nations in dealing with other actors on the international stage; in order to secure their national interest, as well as to guide the appropriate direction for interacting with other actors in the world. Further, the bureaucracy is deemed as the prominent notion for constituting foreign policy. Generally, some narratives indicate that foreign policy making resulted from the output of the theory of bureaucratic politics which addresses the roleRead MoreInternational Economic Exchange And Foreign Investment1656 Words   |  7 Pagesa trade-off between the accumulation of wealth and consolidation of power depends on the type of international economic exchange the country is involved in as well as the nature of the state. In this essay, I consider trade , currency exchange and foreign investment as the primary economic exchanges that countries are involved in, as well as the different natures of states such as developing economies and industrialized nations. I argue that countries involved in international economic exchange will