Foreign policy aims to protect a country's national interests, such as security, economic prosperity, and cultural heritage. A country formulates its foreign policy based on several key determinants, including its geography, history, culture, domestic politics, economic interests, security considerations, technology, and military capabilities. These determinants shape a country's foreign policy objectives and strategies on the global stage.

1. Foreign policy and its Determinants
Meaning:
“Foreign policy is the key element in the process by which a state
translates it’s a broadly conceived goals and interests into
concrete courses of action to attain these objectives and preserve
interests.” (By Lincoln)
“Foreign policy is the set of principles, goals, strategies, and
actions that a government uses to interact with other countries
and international organizations. Foreign policy is designed to
protect a country's national interests, such as economic
prosperity, security, status, and to promote its values and
influence in the world.

2. Common objectives of foreign policy
• Protecting national status and developing national power, and National
Interest: Foreign policy aims to protect a country's interests, such as its
territorial integrity, political sovereignty, and cultural heritage. This may
involve negotiating treaties and agreements that safeguard these interests or
engaging in military interventions to protect them.
• Maintaining the integrity of state: Foreign Policy seeks to protect the
country’s territorial integrity and protect the citizens intrest within and
outside the country.
• Providing for national security: Protecting the country's territory, people,
and interests from external threats, such as military aggression, terrorism,
and cyberattacks.
• Economic interests: Foreign policy can also be used to promote a
country's economic interests. This can involve negotiating trade
agreements, promoting investment, and securing access to vital resources
such as energy and raw materials.
• Military objectives:
• Diplomatic goals:

3. Determinants of Foreign Policy
The foreign policy of a nation is formulated and implemented by
its policy makers. In doing so they take into account the national
interest of the nation, the internal and external environment, the
national values, the foreign policy goals and decisions of other
nations and the nature of international power structure.
 Geography
 Culture
 History
 Economic interests
 Security Considerations
 Technology

4. Geography, History and Culture
A country's geographical location can have a significant impact
on its foreign policy. Proximity to other countries or regions can
lead to closer ties or greater competition. Size influences the
psychological and operational environment within which the
foreign policy-makers and public respond. It includes both human
and non-human resources. Nations with large human and non-
human resources always try to be big powers and they have better
chances of becoming big powers in international relations.
A country's history and culture can shape its foreign policy
objectives and strategies. For example, a country that has a
history of colonialism may focus on promoting democracy and
human rights in other countries.

5. Domestic Politics, Government Structure and
Political Accountability
Domestic political factors, such as the preferences of political
leaders, interest groups, and public opinion, can influence foreign
policy. For example, a government may be more likely to pursue
a confrontational foreign policy if it perceives that such a policy
will be popular with the public. The organisation and structure of
government i.e. the organisational agencies which handle the
foreign policy-making and implementation is another important
element of foreign policy. The shape of the foreign policy is also
determined by the fact as to whether the government agencies
handling it are democratically constituted or not.

6. Economic Interests
Economic interests can play a
significant role in foreign
policy. A country may seek to
promote trade, investment, or
access to resources in other
countries, or it may seek to
protect its domestic industries
from foreign competition.

7. Security Considerations
National security is often a
central concern of foreign
policy. A country may seek to
prevent threats from other
countries or non-state actors,
such as terrorist organizations.

8. Technology
Technological advances can
have a significant impact on
foreign policy. For example,
advances in communication
technology can make it easier
for countries to cooperate and
coordinate on issues of mutual
concern.

9. Military Capabilities:
A country's military
capabilities can also
determine its foreign
policy. A country with a
strong military may be
more likely to pursue a
more assertive foreign
policy, while a country
with a weaker military
may adopt a more
cautious approach.

10. Conclusion
These are some of the key determinants of foreign policy, and
they can vary depending on the country and its unique
circumstances.
foreign policy is a complex and multifaceted subject that is
influenced by a range of determinants. These determinants
include national interest, ideology, geography, domestic politics,
international norms and institutions, economic interests, and
military capabilities. A country's foreign policy can be shaped by
one or more of these factors, and the relative importance of each
determinant can vary depending on the country and its specific
circumstances. Understanding the determinants of foreign policy
is critical for analyzing and predicting a country's behavior in the
international arena