Principles of comparative foreign policy

Abstract

The article analyzes the principles of the comparative foreign policy of the state. The foreign policy strategies of states depend on such characteristics as size, geographical location, history, culture, form of government, etc. The author examines whether all major states behave the same way when forming and conducting foreign policy. Do all small states behave in the same way in foreign policy? Do the foreign policies of maritime states differ from the foreign policy strategies of landlocked states? These and all related issues of foreign policy development and implementation constitute the essence of the comparative foreign policy.

When thinking about foreign policy, it is useful to consider it as a direction of diplomatic actions, which can be analyzed as proactive or reactive.

In the history of international relations and global politics, many techniques and methods have been developed that are based on systematic studies of current events. The best foreign policy concepts have been used in the practice of states for many decades. Modern political analysis uses concepts rooted in ancient political practice. From their history, the author of the article identifies nine concepts, on the basis of which he conducts a comparative analysis of the principles of foreign policy strategies of states.

Using three levels of analysis, the author concentrates on a detailed examination of a specific crosssection from the life of the state. Like biologists who adjust the resolution of a microscope, an international analyst can switch the focus from level to level in order to understand the phenomenon of foreign policy events.

The author also notes that the type of research conducted depends on its purpose. The goals can be organized according to the range of types of research: instrumental, descriptive, analytical, etc. The author also gives examples of classical thinkers about foreign policy.

Key words: foreign policy, international relations, political analysis.