State foreign policy definition. Foreign policy: essence, subjects, means, functions and methods

  • 03.08.2019


Foreign policy

Foreign policy

policies governing relationships between states and peoples in the international arena. The foreign policy of a country is a specific practical implementation by the relevant (foreign policy) department of the basic principles of the state’s international policy. Foreign policy goals reflect national interests. By implementing them, the state carries out foreign policy activities. State policy in the international arena is formed under the influence of both external and especially internal factors. There is a close relationship and mutual influence of intra-society and international relations. Let us consider the foreign policy activities of the state using the example of Russia. Thus, the formation of Russian foreign policy experiences all the complexity of the internal struggle over fundamental issues public life, including the choice of the path of socio-economic development of the country. To date, there has not yet been an all-Russian consensus on internal problems, and foreign policy will often serve as a means in this struggle and cause diametrically opposed assessments of its formation, implementation and analysis. A special feature of the “Basic Provisions of the Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation” is the absence of ideological guidelines or political predilections of any political force. A turn towards the national interests of Russia and its citizens is postulated, the protection of which is the purpose of the foreign policy of a responsible democratic state.

These provisions are explained as follows:

Ensuring the processes of formation of Russian statehood and protecting it territorial integrity;

Creating conditions that ensure stability and irreversibility of political and economic reforms;

Active and full participation of Russia in the construction of a new system international relations, in which she would be provided with a worthy place.

Russia, despite the crisis it is experiencing, remains one of the great powers both in terms of its potential and influence in the world. Russia is responsible for the emerging post-Soviet new world order, for building new system positive relationships between states that were formerly part of the USSR. Actions aimed at undermining the integrity of the Russian Federation, integration processes in the CIS, violation of human rights and freedoms, armed conflicts in neighboring states are considered a threat to the country’s security and vital important interests its citizens. Of particular importance for the protection of Russia’s foreign economic interests is the preservation and development of economic ties with former union republics. In order to create an effective comprehensive security system, cooperation is also developing in the military-political sphere. The focus of Russian foreign policy remains relations with the countries of East and Central Europe, which are in the historical sphere of its interests. Russia's role in resolving a number of international conflicts that are fraught with the threat of escalating into a large-scale war should not be infringed in any way. Relations with countries are of great importance for Russia Western Europe. They are important from the point of view of entering the emerging political, economic, legal, social space, the core of which is the European Community. The objective basis for the development of Russian-American relations is mutual interest in the formation of a stable and secure system of international relations. Here the tasks are set to ensure, on a mutual basis, the implementation of the agreements reached on the reduction and destruction of nuclear, chemical and other weapons, and compliance with the provisions of the ABM Treaty. In the Asia-Pacific region, foreign policy priorities include developing balanced and stable relations with all countries, especially with key ones - China, Japan and India. Filling the foreign policy concept with specific historical content will help Russia acquire its characteristic self-sufficiency. Russia will find and take its unique place in the world.

Konovalov V.N.


Political science. Dictionary. - M: RSU. V.N. Konovalov. 2010.

Foreign policy

the activities of the state in the international arena, as well as public and political organizations outside national borders to implement their needs and interests.


Political Science: Dictionary-Reference Book. comp. Prof. Science Sanzharevsky I.I.. 2010 .


Political science. Dictionary. - RSU. V.N. Konovalov. 2010.

See what “Foreign Policy” is in other dictionaries:

    There is an imitation of war by other means. Jean Francois Revel Main principle my foreign policy is good governance within the country. William Gladstone We must not give the Panama Canal to the Panamanians. After all, we stole it fair and square... ... Consolidated encyclopedia of aphorisms

    foreign policy- ▲ policy towards, foreign, state foreign policy. foreign policy (# course). geopolitics. neutralism. isolationism. expansionism. expansionist. imperialism is the desire of the state to expand its borders. continentalism... ... Ideographic Dictionary of the Russian Language

    foreign policy- — EN foreign policy The diplomatic policy of a nation in its interactions with other nations. (Source: WEBSTE) Topics... ... Technical Translator's Guide

    - (external relations of the state) general course states in international affairs. Foreign policy governs relations of this state with other states and peoples in accordance with its principles and goals achieved by the application... ... Wikipedia

    FOREIGN POLICY- the entire set of relations of a given state with other states, with international organizations, as well as the general course of the state in international relations. The term foreign policy is used both in state constitutions and in other... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary of Constitutional Law

    FOREIGN POLICY- Policy regulating relations with other states and peoples in the international arena. V. p. is inextricably linked with internal politics and reflects the nature of intrastate relations... Dictionary of political terms

    FOREIGN POLICY- – continuation of domestic policy, its extension to relations with other states using various means and methods; the art of conducting international affairs. Like domestic policy, military policy is closely related to the economy, social and... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary of Psychology and Pedagogy

    Politics Portal:Politics Russia ... Wikipedia

    The foreign policy of the Republic of Belarus is the totality of relations with other states and international structures. Contents 1 Basic principles, goals and objectives 2 Member ... Wikipedia

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Books

  • Russian foreign policy and the position of foreign powers, Skalkovsky. Foreign policy of Russia and the position of foreign powers / K. Skalkovsky: Printing house of A. S. Suvorin, 1901: K. Skalkovsky Reproduced in the original author's spelling of the 1901 edition...
  • Foreign policy of France from de Gaulle to Sarkozy (1940-2012), E. O. Obichkina. The foreign policy of France is presented in the book through the activities of its creators: from S. de Gaulle to N. Sarkozy. Starting point The stories are the tragic days of the military defeat of 1940. In...

Foreign policy is the general course of a state in international affairs. It regulates the relations of a given state with other states and peoples in accordance with its principles and goals, which are implemented different ways and methods. The foreign policy of any state is closely interconnected with its domestic policy and should reflect the nature of the state and social order. In this case, it combines national interests and values ​​with universal human interests and values, especially in matters of security, cooperation and strengthening of peace, in solving global international problems arising on the path of social progress.

The formation of foreign policy occurs as the objective needs of a given society or state mature to enter into certain relationships with the outside world, that is, with other societies or states. Therefore, it appears later than domestic politics. It usually starts with simple interest: what do they have that we don’t? And when this interest becomes conscious, it turns into politics - into concrete actions to implement it.

There are many theories of foreign policy that explain its main goals and objectives, essence and functions in different ways. But there is also general theory, on the basis of which the most effective means and methods of achieving set goals are developed, planning and coordination of various foreign policy events and actions is carried out.

In turn, foreign policy planning means promising development concrete actions in the international arena, and it consists of several stages. Firstly, a forecast is made of the likely development of the system of international relations as a whole or in individual regions, as well as relations between a given state and other states. This forecast is one of the most complex types political forecasting and it is given on the basis of an analysis of trends in possible changes in certain elements of the system of international relations. This allows for a fairly accurate assessment of the probabilistic consequences of planned foreign policy actions. Secondly, the amount of resources and funds that will be required to solve the put forward foreign policy tasks is determined. Third, the priority goals of the foreign policy of a given state are established in various directions, based primarily on its economic and political interests. Fourth, a comprehensive program of all foreign policy activities is being developed, which must be approved by the government of the country.

Of the specific theories of foreign policy, the theory of the American political scientist G. Morgenthau is considered the most famous. He defines foreign policy primarily as power politics, in which national interests rise above any international norms and principles and therefore force (military, economic, financial) turns into the main means of achieving set goals. This is where his formula follows: “The goals of foreign policy must be determined in the spirit national interests and be supported by force."

The priority of national interests serves two purposes:

1. Gives foreign policy a general orientation;

2. Becomes a selection criterion in specific situations.

Thus, national interests determine both long-term, strategic goals and short-term, tactical actions. To justify the use of force, G. Morgenthau coins the term “balance of power,” which has been known since the Renaissance. By this term he means, firstly, a policy aimed at a certain alignment military force, secondly, a description of any actual state of power in world politics, thirdly, the relatively equal distribution of power at the international level. However, with this approach, when they are guided only by their own national interests, mutually beneficial cooperation may fade into the background, since preference is given only to competition and struggle. Ultimately, it is the same ancient maxim: if you want peace, prepare for war.

At the end of the twentieth century, war should not be an instrument of foreign policy, otherwise it is impossible to guarantee the sovereign equality of all states, the self-determination of peoples in choosing the path of development, the inadmissibility of seizing foreign territories, the establishment of fair and mutually beneficial economic and economic ties, etc.

Modern world practice knows three main ways to ensure international security:

1. Containment possible aggression using various forms of pressure (economic, political, psychological, etc.);

2. Punishment the aggressor by using specific practical actions against him;

3. Political process as a way to achieve peaceful goals without a forceful solution (negotiations, meetings, summits, etc.).

Among the main goals of foreign policy, one should highlight, firstly, ensuring the security of a given state, secondly, the desire to increase the material, political, military, intellectual and other potential of the country and, thirdly, the growth of its prestige in international relations. The implementation of these goals is determined by a certain stage in the development of international relations and the specific situation in the world. At the same time, the state’s activities in foreign policy must take into account the goals, interests and activities of other states, otherwise it will be ineffective and may become a brake on the path of social progress.

The most important functions of the state’s foreign policy include:

1. Defensive, counteracting any manifestations of revanchism, militarism, aggression from other countries;

2. Representative and informational, which has a dual purpose: informing one’s government about the situation and events in a particular country and informing the leadership of other countries about the policies of one’s state;

3. Trade and organizational, aimed at establishing, developing and strengthening trade, economic, scientific and technical ties with various states.

The main means of foreign policy is diplomacy. This term Greek origin: diploma - double tablets with letters printed on them, which were issued to envoys instead of the current credentials confirming their authority. Diplomacy is a set of non-military practical activities, techniques and methods used taking into account specific conditions and assigned tasks. Diplomatic service workers, as a rule, are trained in special higher educational institutions, in particular in Russia - this is the Moscow state institute international relations and the Diplomatic Academy. A diplomat is an official of a state who represents its interests abroad in embassies or missions, at international conferences on foreign policy, on the protection of human rights, property and citizens of their state temporarily abroad. Therefore, a diplomat must have the art of negotiating in order to prevent or resolve international conflicts, search for consensus (agreement), compromises and mutually acceptable solutions, expand and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas.

The most common diplomatic methods include official visits and negotiations at the highest and high levels, congresses, conferences, meetings and meetings, consultations and exchange of views, preparation and conclusion of bilateral and multilateral treaties and other diplomatic documents, participation in the work of international and intergovernmental organizations and their authorities, diplomatic correspondence, publication of documents, etc., periodic conversations of government officials during receptions at embassies and missions.

Foreign policy has its own constitutional and legal mechanism of organization, the main determinants of which are the obligations of a given state, enshrined in the norms international law, created on the basis of mutual concessions and compromises.

One of the most important principles of international law and relations between states has become their territorial integrity. This means the inadmissibility of any encroachments on the territory of another state or violent measures directed against the inviolability of its territory. This principle is based on the rule of mutual respect for the territorial integrity of states and is closely related to their obligation to refrain from the use or threat of use of force, and the right of any state to individual or collective self-defense in the event of an armed attack from the outside. This is enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and in numerous interstate agreements. In accordance with the 1960 UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, every people has the inalienable right to complete freedom exercise of its sovereignty and integrity of the national territory. Therefore, any forcible retention of foreign territory or the threat of seizing it constitutes either annexation or aggression. And today it has become obvious that the security of each nation is inseparable from the security of all humanity. Thus, the problem of a comprehensive understanding of the new construction of the world and the prospects for its development arises.

In political science, two concepts are usually used: "world order" And "international order". They are not identical. The first covers a broader sphere, as it characterizes not only external, but also internal political relations of states. In other words, this concept helps resolve contradictions that arise in the process of functioning international system, helps to streamline the interaction and mutual influence of events occurring in the world political processes. The second concept - “international order” is the basis of the world order, because it requires the internationalization of international relations on the basis of strengthening peace and security, on the basis of the progressive development of the international legal order, ensuring the sovereign equality of all states, large and small, self-determination of peoples in choosing the path of development, establishment of fair economic and business relations, etc.

The political activity of any state is carried out primarily in the system of internal social relations, and then beyond its borders - in the system of external relations. As a result, a distinction is made between domestic and foreign policy, although this distinction is to a certain extent arbitrary. Ultimately, both foreign and domestic policies are designed to solve one problem - to ensure the preservation and strengthening of the existing system of social relations in a given state.

At the same time, both domestic and foreign policies have their own specifics. Foreign policy is secondary to domestic policy. It is formed later than the internal one, and is carried out under different conditions.

Foreign policy regulates the relations of a given state with other states and peoples, ensures the implementation of their needs and interests in the international arena. Foreign policy is the activity and interaction of official entities that have received or appropriated the right on behalf of the entire people to express and defend national interests in the international arena,

Select adequate means and methods for their implementation.

What are national interests?

The foreign policy of any state is based on the interests of the nation. All civilized countries, regardless of their government structure They consider raising the material and spiritual standard of living of the population to be their national priorities; ensuring state security, national sovereignty, territorial integrity; inadmissibility of outside interference in internal affairs; protection of certain political and economic positions in the outside world.

Consequently, national interest is the adequacy of the state's foreign policy to the needs of society. The rationality and effectiveness of foreign policy lies in its compliance with real national and state interests.

Foreign policy activities that do not express or inadequately express national interests inevitably stall. Thus, according to the assessments of many scientists and politicians, failures in the foreign policy of the Republic of Belarus are largely due to national interests misunderstood by our political elite Belarusian people. This is expressed, firstly, in the search for some illusory benefits beyond distant seas and oceans and ignoring one’s closest neighbors, and secondly, in the strict subordination of foreign policy to ideological postulates, which means; We support and develop relationships with those who think like us. In the foreign policy of the republic there are many manifestations of subjectivism, voluntarism, and unprofessionalism, which, to a denier, affects the authority of the Belarusian state.

Misunderstood and misunderstood Nazis; disgraced interests can cause real conflicts on the international stage. This was the situation when the leadership of the USSR made the decision to introduce Soviet troops to Afghanistan in December 1979. A similar position is often visible in the foreign policy of the United States, which is capable of declaring any territory a zone of its vital interests Globe.

The practical significance of foreign policy is expressed through its functions, common to all states: protective, representative and informational, ideological, coordinating the efforts of states to solve global problems, trade and organizational.

The protective function of foreign policy is associated with ensuring the preservation and strengthening of the existing system of social relations within a given state from outside encroachments, and the protection of the rights and interests of a given country and its citizens in international affairs.

The effectiveness of this function depends on the ability of states, their relevant bodies and institutions to interact with other states of the world community in such a way as to make the world order safer for the life of all subjects of international relations.

The educational and informational function consists in the activities of representative bodies and institutions of the state abroad to study foreign policy processes; accumulation, processing and analysis of reliable information on the state of international affairs; bringing this information to their government with the issuance of specific recommendations for its implementation.

The practical significance of this function lies in the fact that through negotiations and personal contacts of the main subjects of foreign policy, on the basis of received and analyzed information, an international policy favorable for the country is formed. public opinion, there is a corresponding influence on the political circles of certain states. This function is often implemented during international negotiations and the conclusion of international treaties.

The ideological function of foreign policy is to promote the philosophical, political, economic, and social advantages of one’s system and way of life in the international arena. Here it should be especially emphasized how delicate this matter is. Certain ideologies underlying foreign policy actions can cause large-scale conflicts between states and have international consequences. History shows that the rivalry of irreconcilable ideologies, a foreign policy seeking the triumph of a single ideology, has always led to especially fanatical and bloody wars, to difficult confrontations. Let us remember, for example, the second world war, years of the Cold War.

Most political scientists adhere to the point of view that the ideological dispute between different systems should ultimately be resolved not through political, military, economic, or propaganda intervention of the disputing parties, but through an open demonstration of obvious advantages.

One of the specific functions of foreign policy, which can be identified as independent, is the coordination of the efforts of states to solve many complex problems of a universal, global nature. Global problems are problems that affect the vital interests of all humanity, including its future. They manifest themselves as an objective factor in the development of society in the main regions of the world and require coordinated international actions within the global community to be resolved. TO global problems include problems of war and peace, interaction between man and nature, overcoming the economic backwardness of the population of 2/3 of the globe, combating hunger and poverty, protecting human health, growing the planet's population, energy and natural resources, the relationship between man and society.

Some political scientists highlight the trade and organizational function of foreign policy, through which the relationship between domestic and foreign policy is revealed. The essence of this function lies in the proactive organizational actions of the state aimed at increasing the international competitiveness of industrial and agricultural products, expanding the export of goods, searching for profitable trade deals, contacts, and creating other favorable foreign policy conditions for activity. The effectiveness of its manifestation is determined by self-sufficiency or dependence on imports of essential goods.

Foreign policy activities to achieve set goals are implemented using a whole range of means and methods. These include information and propaganda, political, economic, and military.

Facilities mass media, propaganda, agitation play an important role in strengthening the international position of the state, help strengthen its security, help ensure trust on the part of allies and possible partners, obtain material and moral support from them at critical moments, and form sympathy and friendliness among the international community towards to a given state, and, if necessary, anger, condemnation, indignation, etc.

Foreign policy propaganda tools promote the true interests and intentions of the state. History knows many examples of this, in particular the false assurances of the Nazis at the beginning of the Second World War.

Political means of foreign policy are used primarily in the field of diplomatic relations, where a correct assessment of the balance of power, the ability to accurately determine the position in difficult situations, recognize friends and enemies, etc. are important.

Diplomacy is the official activity of states and governments, services of ministries of foreign affairs, and diplomatic missions abroad. The most common diplomatic means and methods are visits and negotiations, diplomatic conferences, meetings and meetings, preparation and conclusion of two and multilateral international treaties and other diplomatic documents, participation in the work of international organizations and their bodies, representations of states abroad, diplomatic correspondence, publication of diplomatic documents. The political means of foreign policy are closely interconnected with economic ones.

Economic means of foreign policy mean the use of the economic potential of a given country to achieve foreign policy goals. States with strong economies and financial power also have strong international positions. Even small-sized countries, poor in human and material resources, can play a significant role on the world stage if their economy is based on advanced technologies and is capable of generating scientific and technological progress. Effective economic means of foreign policy are an embargo or most favored nation treatment in trade, the provision of licenses, investments, credits, loans, other economic assistance or refusal to provide it.

The military power of the state is considered to be a military means of foreign policy, which includes the presence of an army, taking into account its size, quality of weapons, combat readiness, and morale; the presence of military bases and nuclear weapons.

Military means can be used to exert both direct pressure on other countries and indirect ones. Forms of direct pressure can be war, intervention, blockade; indirect - exercises, parades, maneuvers, testing of new types of weapons.

Nowadays, many political scientists adhere to the point of view that in modern conditions The role of political, economic, propaganda, cultural and other factors is increasing, with a relative decrease in the relative weight of military force, even in relation to achieving such a foreign policy goal as ensuring the country's security. Theorists of this direction believe that with the deepening and expansion of economic ties and national economic interdependence on a regional and global scale, security is increasingly intertwined with international cooperation, forming a single whole with it.

Theorists of the opposite direction note that the factor of force has not disappeared from world politics, that national security can only be guaranteed by “national military power.”

Foreign policy is carried out strictly defined government agencies. The official subjects of foreign policy are the state represented by it representative institutions and executive and administrative bodies, as well as officials: head of state, parliament, government.

Foreign policy activity is materialized through a specially created mechanism - the system of foreign relations bodies.

The modern system of external relations bodies, as a rule, consists of two groups: domestic and foreign. Domestic bodies include the president, parliament, government, specialized institutions (ministries of foreign affairs, etc.). Foreign bodies are divided into permanent (consulates, embassies, permanent representation in international organizations) and temporary (participation in international conferences, meetings, symposiums, etc.).

The considered structure, functions, methods of foreign policy, the system of foreign relations bodies, and national interests together ensure the functioning of the foreign policy mechanism of any state.

Russia's foreign policy is in the spotlight, and even those who criticize it recognize the excellence of Russian diplomats and Moscow's ability to seize emerging geopolitical opportunities. However, the question of setting foreign policy goals remains at the level of general statements about Russia’s national interests, which are not clearly stated. Why is diplomacy needed in the 21st century? And is skillful play on the “great chessboard” enough to ensure sustainable development countries in conditions of complex and multidimensional interdependence?

Artem Alikin,
The topic “Foreign Policy - Goal or Means” is extremely interesting for me as it allows me to express some thoughts about trends in the foreign policy process of both Russia and a number of states.
The opposition between ends and means stated in the topic is not opposition in the full sense. Rather, the goal and the means represent a dialectical unity and are the basis of a single mental paradigm...

Nikita Ananyev,
Politics, according to Otto von Bismarck, is “the art of the possible.” Most likely, he meant by this the activities of the state aimed at defending its own interests. Foreign policy is no exception. Each state has its own interests, which it defends in the international arena. Some people call these interests “state”, others “national”, but formal definitions in in this case don't play a role...

Arina Basova,
“Foreign Policy – ​​End or Means?” - perhaps, for a country like Russia, this question requires a clear answer - a means. The Russian Federation is definitely no longer a country that creates its own diplomatic and consular missions, enters international organizations and establishes connections with other states only in order to prove itself and declare to the world its existence and desire to be a participant international life. Russia is a prominent player, an actor that, with the help of clearly developed mechanisms and qualified representatives, puts its interests into practice through foreign policy...

Vladimir Beklyamishev,
From a theoretical point of view, clarifying the role of foreign policy is not difficult. Firstly, it is enough to immediately pay attention to its derivativeness in relation to constitutional purposes states - ensuring human rights and freedoms, as well as resource provision with internal policy means. The noted features characterize diplomacy, first of all, as a tool for creating a favorable environment in the process of achieving the state’s basic objectives...

Anastasia Bogapova,
Let's admit it - you can't talk about foreign policy without understanding domestic policy. What is the foreign policy of a state if a crisis of legitimacy has formed in the country and the risk of a change of authorities becomes more of a threat? In this case, the course of foreign policy will be extremely ineffective, or foreign policy will be a means! A means for legitimizing and increasing authority not only at the international level, but also at the national level...

Yulia Gaeva,
Diplomacy is the official activity of heads of state, government and special foreign relations bodies to achieve goals and objectives
foreign policy of states, as well as the protection of the rights and interests of the state abroad. In the modern world, diplomacy plays a huge role. But why is diplomacy needed specifically in Russia and in general in the 21st century?..

Mariam Galstyan,
When talking about foreign policy, people often understand only international politics state, regarding, for example, the military sphere. But if you study in more detail the components of the state’s foreign policy, you can understand that this concept perhaps covers all spheres of the state’s activity: economic, cultural, social and even spiritual...

Alexander Zhuravlev,
Foreign policy has always been the focus of attention of the media, politicians and ordinary citizens - this is especially noticeable today, due to the complicating political situation in Russia and the increasing tension in international relations. And the discussion about the place of foreign policy in our lives flares up again - is the success of the state in the external arena some objective good, valuable in itself, or is it just a tool for realizing other, more important goals?..

Maria Zinovieva,
There are countries in the world whose position on many international issues is not defined, they do not pursue an active foreign policy, and, one might say, they are generally not heard on the world stage. At the same time, the situation within these same countries is more than favorable for their population. Take, for example, Norway or Sweden. These are countries with one of the highest standards of living in the world. Now let’s ask ourselves: “When last time Have we heard about the participation of Norway or Sweden in world politics?..

Marina Zosimova,
From school we are taught that the main features of a state include: the presence of territory, population and sovereignty. Of course, this list is not exhaustive, but it is still necessary to mention another most important feature of a state - international recognition. Today, in conditions when the concept of interdependence is becoming increasingly relevant, we can say that recognition of a subject by other states as an equal entity is an integral part of the existence of the state...

Anna Kadtsyna,
The traditional method of combating the intensification of Russia's foreign policy and its defense of its national interests is international isolation. Now we see a clear attempt at such isolation - economic sanctions, seizure of accounts and property of large Russian companies abroad, unfounded refusals to issue visas. This method of fighting is considered successful and was used against Cuba, Iran, and North Korea. In 2015, the United States had to admit that sanctions measures are not effective in achieving foreign policy goals, and they also contradict fundamental human rights...

Nikolay Kozlov,
Historically, politics has been modernized and its essence has changed. Why politics was considered a tool, but not the task itself, and what foreign policy is, we will try to determine in this work. The question of the role of politics in the life of society arose constantly, and especially in moments of crisis. Now that Russia has begun active foreign policy contacts around the world, the importance of foreign policy in strengthening Russia’s international weight has also increased...

Roman Kolesnikov,
What is foreign policy? Each state answered this question in its own way. However, despite the existence of more than two hundred states, possible options There are only two answers - a means and/or an end...

Maria Korotkevich,
Russia is a word in the context of its policies that can evoke a wide range of feelings: from admiration to rejection, from exaltation to a feeling of fear. We can confidently say that we cannot expect an unambiguous assessment of Russia’s actions on the world stage from outside observers. And indeed, in Lately our country has attracted close attention from other states, which is not at all accidental: the Russian Federation, due to its available resources and capabilities, strives to occupy its niche among the “ powerful of the world this." How is it possible otherwise?..

Alexander Kosyrev,
Answering the question posed, we can safely answer that foreign policy is a means of: protecting national interests on the world stage, achieving any internal political goals. Arguing the above, we can give examples of a potential US partner...

Vladimir Kravtsev,
It is necessary to understand that the progressive development of the state and statehood are somewhat different. The process of the country’s development is an order of magnitude more complex, it is a multifaceted vector work...

Igor Loiko,
Before starting to consider the chosen research topic, I would like to note its relevance against the background decisive action Russian government on the global stage in relation to emerging threats national security state and world community.
In this work we will try to briefly define the main goals of Russian foreign policy and the means we have to achieve them...

Margarita Makarenko,
V. O. Klyuchevsky said the following phrase about politics: “When the correct principles are implemented in the state, then you can speak directly and act directly. When the correct principles are not implemented in the state, you can act directly, but speak carefully.” I believe that this expression can be applied not only to domestic policy, but also to foreign...

Yaroslav Maltsev,
The question of the goals of foreign policy and its relationship with domestic policy is extremely relevant today in conditions when Russia is experiencing uncertainty in relations with the outside world and, at the same time, is experiencing an economic crisis that can develop into a political one. The problem of applying resources in these circumstances forces us to think about the most effective goal setting in both external and internal spheres and about their relative importance...

Kirill Mamaev,
The problem stated in the topic contains elements that form a certain dialectical unity. Each specific state, which, from the point of view of the constructivist paradigm, is an intersubjective association, under the influence of its cultural characteristics may give preference to one or another element of a given “foreign policy yin-yang”, somewhat neglecting another...

Ulugbek Normatov,
Decay Soviet Union and the victory of the West, led by the United States, in the long-term confrontation between the two forces on the world stage, momentarily showed the superiority of the victors in the Cold War. The following years were marked by the strengthening of the United States and Europe through the development of mostly international institutions controlled by them (IMF, World Bank, WTO). The West also increased its power in the military-political sphere (NATO expansion)…

Ilya Olenichenko,
Russia has embarked on the path of change! The country is taking its first steps towards democracy. However, there are shortcomings in the public understanding of modern capabilities. One of the problems is business development. In Russia, this can be justified by several reasons: the country’s socialist past...

Maxim Orlov,
Modern international relations have entered a phase of transformation, marking a new, still emerging world order, in connection with the crisis events in Ukraine; problem international terrorism not a network principle; ongoing instability in the Middle East, as well as the changing role of the United States of America in international affairs.
It is the changing role of the United States in international affairs that is one of the main factors in the ongoing transformation...

Marina Pospelova,
Taking into account the growth of integration processes in the conditions of international relations, the creation of transnational interstate associations and unions, as well as globalization processes, Russia, as one of the key players in the international arena, has embarked on the path of self-determination in the new world order. Foreign policy issues have become prevalent, well-coordinated and widely discussed in Western and Russian press circles. Russia demonstrates high level diplomacy, and no less global geopolitical interests. So what is foreign policy for Russia today - a goal or a means?..

Mark Saamov,
Modern foreign policy is a means through which states defend their interests and, if necessary, strengthen their own security. This is true for all countries in the world at the moment, including Russia.
Speaking about foreign policy, a comparison with competition in a market economy suggests itself...

Murad Sadigzade,
Speaking about diplomacy of the 21st century, it should be noted that modern stage international relations, one slightest, ill-considered word can become the cause of a global conflict. Indeed, the foreign policy of the Russian Federation and the actions of the diplomatic corps are worthy of praise, since they short time formed new look authoritative and powerful Russia. Diplomatic successes in regulation Syrian conflict not only presented Russia as a reliable international partner who will not abandon its allies to the mercy of fate, but also once again confirmed the fact of the collapse of the unipolar world. Russia must be respected and its interests taken into account - a goal that has been successfully achieved thanks to a skillful foreign policy...

Elizaveta Sidelnikova,
Today, the Arctic is both a region where opposing interests of states collide when defending their own national interests and sovereign rights, and at the same time, an area of ​​enormous opportunities for cooperation in those areas of activity where a unilateral solution to problems is impossible. The question is: is the world preparing for cooperation?..

Roman Slobodyan,
A professional game with several pieces on a “chessboard” can bring victory in one or even several games, but multidimensional modernity makes its own adjustments to the approaches and rules of the game. A simultaneous game session with individual rules for each “board” has become an everyday reality. A qualitative response to the asymmetry of challenges and threats, which are supported by progressive innovative strategies and technologies of opponents, requires extraordinary plasticity of thinking from Russia...

Ilya Tikhonov,
Foreign policy is one of the types of social activities aimed at preserving or changing the world order (M.A. Khrustalev).
As follows from this definition, foreign policy is purposeful, that is, it is a set of actions aimed at achieving a specific task. It is formed and determined based on three factors: resources, interests and goals...

Evgeny Tishchenko,
The fiery dragon, according to Napoleonic precepts, is already waking up. The truisms that have long set teeth on edge, you say! But why didn’t Russia turn its selfless continental gaze to the East back in 2002-2003, when it could have been done without unnecessary transaction costs and strategic concessions. Intensifying the search for diplomatic meanings in the “yin-yang” context seems very promising only from the point of view of the pragmatic economic component. After all, no one has yet canceled competition for the Central Asian countries, even Friedman’s state “ flat world“When geography takes revenge on both the Vienna congresses and other Versailles meetings...

Dayan Urmanov,
The speed of change in the international political and economic situation in the modern world has reached a level where predicting future challenges is not just a thankless task, but more similar to the actions of the participants in the “Battle of Psychics” program - “maybe I’ll guess right.” But, despite this, it is possible to identify a number of global imperatives on which Russia’s ability to gain a foothold in the international arena as an independent and strong player depends...

Ivan Fokin,
The very formulation of the question in this way contains a logical trap for those who consider foreign policy as an end in itself of any state activity.
In my deep conviction, any policy that is implemented Russian State is determined by two articles of the fundamental legislative act of our country - the Constitution: Article 2 and Article 3...

Ekaterina Fominykh,
The foreign policy of a state is the direction of the state beyond its borders, the purpose of which is to realize national interests.
The goals and means of foreign policy depend on many circumstances, for example, the socio-political structure of the state, political regime, form of government, level political culture, geopolitical conditions, historical features and other factors...

Olga Kharina,
In conditions when the agenda is about the continuation or renewal of the Cold War, when the world is becoming even more fragile in the context of information pressure and the actions of non-state actors in international relations, it becomes extremely difficult to analyze and predict such a rapidly changing situation.
However, it is possible to trace the main trends. Current events in the economic sphere, the reorientation of Russia's policy towards the East and its emphasis on partnership with China allow us to talk about the formation of new forced alliances that pursue their strategic and economic interests in Asia…

Ulyana Khoilova,
Before revealing the topic of this work, it is necessary to understand what the phenomenon and concept of “foreign policy” is. It would seem that there is nothing special to understand here, since today it is already so entrenched in Everyday life world community, which has become something taken for granted...

In its content, politics is a complex, unified, indivisible phenomenon. Foreign policy is the general course of a state in international affairs. The political activity of the state is carried out both in the system of internal social relations and outside its borders - in the system of international relations. That is why they distinguish between domestic policy and foreign policy. External regulates the relations of a given state with other states and peoples in accordance with its principles and goals, which are implemented in various ways and methods. The foreign policy of any state is closely interconnected with its domestic policy and should reflect the nature of the state and social system. They have much in common and at the same time differ in their specificity. Foreign policy is secondary in relation to domestic policy; it was formed later and is carried out in different social conditions. However, both domestic and foreign policies solve one problem - to ensure the preservation and strengthening of the existing system of social relations in a given state. Foreign policy regulates the relations of a given state with other states, ensures the implementation of its needs and interests in the international arena. This is the general course of the state in international affairs.

In this case, it combines national interests and values ​​with universal human interests and values, especially in matters of security, cooperation and strengthening of peace, in solving global international problems arising on the path of social progress.

The formation of foreign policy occurs as the objective needs of a given society or state mature to enter into certain relationships with the outside world, that is, with other societies or states. Therefore, it appears later than domestic politics. It usually starts with simple interest: what do they have that we don’t? And when this interest becomes conscious, it turns into politics - into concrete actions to implement it.

There are many theories of foreign policy that explain its main goals and objectives, essence and functions in different ways. The most famous is the theory of the American political scientist G. Morgenthau. He defines foreign policy, first of all, as a policy of force, in which national interests rise above any international norms and principles, and therefore force (military, economic, financial) turns into the main means of achieving set goals. This is where his formula follows: “The goals of foreign policy must be determined in the spirit of national interests and supported by force.” The priority of national interests serves two purposes:

Gives foreign policy a general orientation and

Becomes a selection criterion in specific situations.

Thus, national interests determine both long-term, strategic goals and short-term, tactical actions. To justify the use of force, G. Morgenthau coins the term “balance of power,” which has been known since the Renaissance. By this term he means, firstly, a policy aimed at a certain distribution of military power, secondly, a description of any actual state of forces in world politics, and thirdly, a relatively equal distribution of power at the international level. However, with this approach, when they are guided only by their own national interests, mutually beneficial cooperation may fade into the background, since preference is given only to competition and struggle. Ultimately, it is the same ancient maxim: if you want peace, prepare for war.

But there is also a general theory, on the basis of which the most effective means and methods of achieving set goals are developed, and various foreign policy events and actions are planned and coordinated.

In turn, foreign policy planning means the long-term development of specific actions in the international arena, and it consists of several stages. First, a forecast is made of the likely development of the system of international relations as a whole or in individual regions, as well as relations between a given state and other states. Such a forecast is one of the most complex types of political forecasting, and it is given on the basis of an analysis of trends in possible changes in certain elements of the system of international relations. This allows for a fairly accurate assessment of the probabilistic consequences of planned foreign policy actions. Secondly, the amount of resources and funds that will be required to solve the proposed foreign policy tasks is determined. Thirdly, the priority goals of the foreign policy of a given state in various areas are established, based primarily on its economic and political interests. Fourthly, a comprehensive program of all foreign policy activities is being developed, which must be approved by the government of the country.

The specificity of foreign policy is also determined by the fact that there are different states in the world (currently about 200) with their diverging interests and programs, goals and objectives. This necessitates coordination and integration of these interests, regardless of their national differences. Now, more than ever, the role and importance of global, as well as regional problems, especially in the field of security, protection environment, development economic relations. Therefore, not only coordinated actions are needed, but also a certain adjustment in the internal policies of states. Thus, foreign policy rationalizes domestic policy, bringing it into greater or lesser compliance with international realities, patterns and criteria for the functioning of the world community.

Thus, foreign policy represents the activities and interaction of official entities who have received the right, on behalf of the entire society, to express national interests in the international arena, to choose appropriate means and methods for their implementation. The main subjects of foreign policy are states and non-governmental organizations.

So, as a rule, the following main subjects of foreign policy are distinguished:

The state, its institutions, as well as political leaders and heads of state. The state plays a decisive role in shaping foreign policy.

Non-governmental organizations, the so-called "public diplomacy", which includes activities such as political parties and movements, as well as non-political associations and unions.

Let us continue the theme that foreign policy is the activity and interaction of official entities that have or have acquired the right to speak on behalf of society, to express the interests of society, to elect certain methods and ways to implement them.

Since states are the main subjects of international relations, society protects its interests mainly through the institution of the state. Therefore, it is quite common in scientific literature is the point of view according to which the concept of national and state security are identical. However, there are certain differences between these concepts, as well as between the concepts of “national” and “state” interest. Under certain circumstances, national and state interests may not coincide, for example, Russia’s participation in the First World War was not associated with the protection of national interests, but victory in the war would strengthen the position of the autocracy. In general, the foreign policy of a state is based on the interests of a nation or a multinational society, but state and national interests coincide only when the foreign policy of the state adequately reflects the needs of society.

Foreign policy activities that do not reflect real social needs do not find strong support from society and are therefore doomed to failure. In addition, interests that are misunderstood and inadequate to the needs of society can become the cause of international conflicts and result in huge losses.

Society considers, first of all, raising the material and spiritual standard of living of the population, ensuring the security of the state, its sovereignty, and territorial integrity to the sphere of national interests. The state’s foreign policy is designed to ensure the implementation of national interests, which emphasizes unbreakable connection with internal politics. In fact, it is designed to provide favorable external conditions to implement the goals and objectives of domestic policy. However, this does not mean that foreign policy is a simple continuation of domestic policy. It has its own goals, it has the opposite, and quite a strong impact on internal politics. This influence is especially noticeable in modern conditions, when the international division of labor is increasing and economic, political and cultural ties between states and peoples are expanding.