Foreign policy analysis

Foreign policy analysis

Foreign policy analysis enables us to comprehend how political actors come up with policy decisions and their relationship with other foreign governments. Foreign policy is a complicated discipline with many actors working within the structures of government, and they play essential roles in decision-making processes. There are five main approaches to foreign policy analysis. These are rational, bureaucratic politics, organizational process, the political process and the inter-branch political models. To analyze the foreign policy as a whole, one needs to determine the strengths and weaknesses of each model and understand the remedies which each model can provide in various scenarios.

The rational actor model assumes that the core player in foreign policy must be a sensible individual who will be responsible for coming up with informed and calculated decisions which will benefit the nation. In this approach, the actor relates to government behaviour to conduct an analysis. In this approach, the assumption made is that the information will always be available, and thus, the policymakers will always make informed decisions. The remedies and actions made are followed throughout as the effects are consistent and coherent.

The bureaucratic politics model studies the decisions and actions taken by independent and other competing firms within the nation. Different entities add value to the process of decision making. The view of bodies caters for personal, organizations and national interests. Every party works hard to achieve its goals; thus, collective action will be embraced to unite all entities.

Organizational process model sees government as a combination of the most influential organizations working together. The corporate model examines policy decisions which are made within the complex structures of bureaucracy. In this model, the actions are only taken after being authorized by the national government. The decision must follow the set standard procedures and processes.

Inter- Branch politic model focuses on specific goals and the expected results. This model analyses the actions taken and the possible outcomes based on the determinations and cohesiveness of various groups and the progress made towards the achievement of collective goals and objectives.

The political process model has several actors who are involved in decision-making processes focusing mainly on the office of the president and the congress. This model aims at attracting different powers centres to achieve their respective objectives and goals. The goals can align or conflict with those of others.

Decision-making processes in different scenarios.

Option one suggests that I use force against china, and my campaign manager supports this option. Most of my cabinet members have opposed this option with a valid reason, and therefore we must make a decision. First, I should remember that my country U.S must lead by example. Secondly, I cannot initiate war on china; I am a Christian. To make an effective decision, I would use political model approach and bureaucratic model. In the political strategy, I will be able to seek the opinion of other powerful nations who may benefit as well if the conflict between U.S and china is solved peacefully. To avoid any decision to be made without the approval from the office of president or congress, this approach is very suitable. Therefore, every opinion and suggestion I will be aware of it, and I have authority over it. I will also use the bureaucratic approach model as it will help me to formulate standard and procedures which must be followed, with this approach, every decision made must follow the set rules.

Option two suggests the use of diplomacy. However, the general public opposes this option as they feel that the president will appear weak. Since I don’t want to lose for election, I want to maintain peace in my country. Bureaucratic politic model will assist decision making in this option. In this approach, I will analyze the decisions which have been made by other competing countries which have been in the same situation before. If the decision they made before yielded positive results, I will use the inter-branch politic model to examine possible outcomes of the actions which I intend to use.

Option three suggests that I should impose economic sanction on china. This option will negatively affect the U.S economy; thus, a concrete decision must be made. In this scenario, I would use a rational actor model. I will put my country first; I will evaluate the loss which the state may experience since China will retaliate by imposing high taxes on their products. Therefore, the rational actor model will help me to come up with an informed and well-calculated decision which will benefit the country. In this case, I will weigh both the advantages and disadvantages of imposing sanction on china, after analysis, then I will come up with the best option.

Option four suggests that I offer incentives to china. This strategy has been used for four years, but China did not give in. To come up with a decision in this option, I would use the inter-branch politic approach method. This method borrows some ideas from organizational and bureaucratic models. Using this approach will assist me in focusing on the main goal and the expected outcome thus I will be able to evaluate the actions to take keenly until I come up with the best decision which will yield positive results.

Option five suggests that I appeal to United nations which encourages peaceful solution; however, the actions which the UN decides to take maybe biased as China has a significant influence on the UN. To make an effective decision, I would apply the political process approach. In this model, I will have an opinion of several actors across all levels of the government. Using this approach, I will be able to bargain and attract other powers centres seeking to attain specific goals.