The Definition of Foreign Affairs

Foreign affairs involve developing a better understanding between different cultures.

Richard Merritt in "Foreign Policy Analysis" defines foreign affairs as "the activities of a government that involve its foreign policy and its relations with the other countries, diplomacy, international representation and the academic study of these activities." The terms "foreign affairs" and "international relations" are used alternatively. This covers the issues abroad that relate to homeland. Each country has a foreign affairs department that deals with its relations with the outside world as well as responds to everything relating to the interests of the home country in foreign lands.

Foreign Policy

Foreign policy represents the decisions and course of action taken by a government in regard to its relations with other nations. The objectives of a foreign policy are to protect the interests of the country and promote its self-interests in the international arena. The decision makers of the foreign policy take into account the demands of the individuals and groups in the homeland, bureaucracy, as well as their own perceptions and point of views.

International Relations

The scope of international relations is far more complex and includes the relations between governments pertaining to trade activities, economic and military alliances, cultural relations and related activities that take place across the national boundaries. James Rosenau, in his book "Distant Proximities: Dynamics Beyond Globalization," writes that "international relations include the relationships and interactions of people at the individual level, and NGOs and transnational corporations at the corporate level." He is also of the view that the events of a national nature abroad affect the routines of life at home.

Diplomacy

Diplomacy is the means to achieve the foreign policy ends in relation to other nations by negotiations and talk rather than war. A professional diplomat conducts the diplomacy process by representing his country on foreign soil and also by observing, analyzing and reporting various issues relating to human rights, economics, culture, immigration, public opinion and a wide array of areas in the host country.

International Representation

Different international organizations are established to promote relations among states for the advancement of peace, better economic environment and improved human rights conditions. Most intergovernmental organizations have principles and procedures for admitting members--for example, the United Nations--and are governed by a charter. Intergovernmental organizations play the role of conflict resolution and peacekeeping among nation states.

International Security

Security in the 21st century is defined as the lack of a danger to an individual, group or state and its ability to live peacefully in its environment; this includes economic, ecologic, ethical, technological, cultural, gender, energy and military aspects. According to the U.N. Charter, "Security Council has the right to interfere in any issue it deems a threat to international peace and security." Foreign affairs attempt to solve security issues peacefully if possible.

References

• "Foreign Policy Analysis"; Richard Meritt; 1975
• "Distant Proximities: Dynamics Beyond Globalization"; James Rosenau; 2003
• "American Foreign Relations"; Thomas Paterson, Garry Clifford and Shane Maddock; 2009
• Encyclopedia of Nations: The Security Council--Maintaining Peace and Security
• Berkeley: The Diplomat's Role