Kristin Godwin

Foreign Policy and National Interest What is Foreign Policy? Foreign policy refers to the strategies and actions a country adopts in its relations with other nations to protect and promote its national interests. It is formulated by a country’s leadership and carried out through diplomacy, international agreements, economic cooperation, military alliances, and cultural exchanges. Foreign policy is influenced by both internal factors—such as a country’s political system, economic status, and public opinion—and external factors like global events, regional conflicts, and relationships with other countries. The main objective of foreign policy is to create favorable conditions for the country’s survival, security, and prosperity in the international system. What is National Interest? National interest is the set of goals a country aims to achieve to ensure its well-being and sovereignty. It serves as the guiding principle behind the formulation of foreign policy. National interests are commonly categorized into three levels: - Core or Vital Interests – These include protecting national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security from external threats. - Major Interests – These involve economic development, political stability, access to resources, and energy security. - Peripheral Interests – These are less critical but still significant, such as cultural promotion, humanitarian concerns, and enhancing international prestige. In essence, national interest reflects what a country considers essential for its survival and advancement on the global stage. Relationship Between Foreign Policy and National Interest There is a direct link between foreign policy and national interest. Foreign policy acts as the instrument, while national interest is the objective. Every decision in foreign policy is made with the aim of achieving some aspect of the national interest. For instance, if a country’s national interest is economic growth, its foreign policy may include signing free trade agreements, securing foreign investments, or joining international economic organizations. Tools of Foreign Policy Countries use a variety of tools to implement foreign policy and pursue national interests, including: - Diplomacy – Negotiating treaties and building alliances to secure national goals peacefully. - Economic Measures – Using trade, sanctions, or aid to influence other countries. - Military Force – Deploying troops or building defense partnerships for strategic advantage. - Soft Power – Promoting culture, values, and global image to win influence internationally. Case Studies 1. Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Nigeria’s foreign policy is Afrocentric, focusing on African unity, peacekeeping, and economic integration. Through its leadership in ECOWAS and the African Union, Nigeria promotes regional stability and cooperation—aligning with its national interests of security and continental influence. 2. United States During the Cold War The U.S. adopted a policy of containment to prevent the spread of communism. This foreign policy was in line with its national interest of protecting democracy and maintaining global dominance. 3. Russia and Ukraine Russia’s foreign policy actions in Ukraine reflect its aim to protect strategic and security interests in Eastern Europe. By asserting control in the region, Russia seeks to safeguard what it considers its vital national interest. Challenges in Balancing the Two Balancing foreign policy with national interest can be complex. Some of the challenges include: - Domestic political opposition or instability - Ethical dilemmas between strategic interests and human rights - Global interdependence and international pressure - Sudden global crises such as terrorism, pandemics, or economic downturns Conclusion Foreign policy and national interest are inseparable concepts in international relations. A country’s foreign policy is shaped by its national interest, and its effectiveness depends on how well it serves that interest. By understanding this relationship, we gain insight into the behavior of nations and the dynamics of global politics.