The fundamental assumption in the international arena is that the state as a primary actor of the world is equipped with resources and thus, is willing and able to make rational decisions. While, the inclination towards the most rationale choice is obvious, the decision of choice making doesn’t stop there. As a matter of fact, at many times, it doesn’t start there as well. There are a lot of factors that influence the foreign policy decision making process. Primarily, these factors can broadly be divided into three distinct categories. First, the individual level analysis that consists of the variables inherent and distinct to the decision maker. Secondly, the state level analysis includes the domestic politics and competitors, the media, public perception, the bureaucracies and various other interest groups that shape those decisions. And finally, the system and the framework in which a decision maker operates also plays a significant role into the decision process of foreign policy making.
Download Free PDF View PDF
