Advancing the interests of a nation or group of nations in the international arena involves managing relationships and dealing with complex issues. With more than 190 countries in the world, foreign policy is the broad range of strategies states use to achieve their goals in the global environment. It involves forming military alliances, conducting diplomatic relations, negotiating trade agreements and giving foreign aid to less-powerful nations. Foreign policy is a topic of study for governments, academia and think tanks.
A nation’s foreign policy is a dynamic process that changes over time as the nation evolves, as world conditions change and as the leadership of other countries change. There is no one true definition of foreign policy and the concept is often described as a continuum. However, some of the primary goals of most nations include maintaining access to critical resources and markets around the globe; advancing the security interests of the state; supporting economic development in other nations (including the infusion of foreign capital investments); and addressing environmental and global issues in partnership with other nations.
The most important aspect of any country’s foreign policy is a commitment to its citizens and to the principle of mutual respect between nations. The goal of preserving a balance of power in the world and maintaining global stability also is central to any state’s foreign policy. In addition, a commitment to international law and human rights is essential. This spirit of cooperation is the reason for the United States’ participation in the international community through the United Nations and other organizations, including peacekeeping operations, disaster response and humanitarian assistance.