INTERNATIONAL POLITICSForeign Policy, National Interest and National Security-Kent Alvin GuzmanKaye Elianne Barbero

General ApplicationFOREIGN POLICY defined;-The term foreign policy is the pattern of behavior that one country adopts while pursuing its interests in relation with other states. -It consists of a set of guidelines articulated by the government of a country in order to promote its national interests through the conduct of its relations with other countries. -it is a part of the general program of government.PRINCIPLES GOVERNING THE SELECTION OF AIMS AND GOALS IN FOREIGN POLICYThe objectives of a nations foreign policy are varied depending upon the states field of interests; but it is assumed that the common denominator of all policy goals is the obligation of any politically organized group to maintain the state as an unimpaired entity.1. Maintaining the Integrity of the State.The concept of international unity includes the management, control, and governance of the territory, including the general welfare of its citizens both at home and abroad. The jurisdiction over land and people must be maintained in any situation at all times. Principle of geographic unit, in relation to the maintenance of titles of all areas claimed by the state, cession of certain areas and acquisition of new territories and possessions must be upheld.2. Promoting Economic Interests. Another principle underlying the selection of the goals of foreign policy is the obligation of the government to promote the welfare of the state. The prosperity of a state is contingent upon many complex and related factors; e.g. the states assets which include geographic location in relation to the industrial centers of the world: natural resources, climate, and the size and character of the population, and the manner in which assets are exploited. 3. Providing for National Security. The third principle underlying the determination of policy goals is focused on the security of a nation. It is assumed that all nations have certain devices to protect their government from attack and possible dangers. The framers of policy should provide a defense mechanism in case an attack may arise. Governments which would retain their territorial boundaries intact are said to follow status quo policies. On the other hand, governments with designs on new territory develop revisionists policies. The two methods by which revisionist policies may be executed is either by peaceful negotiations or by force. Because of the experiences of World War II, the definition of security has undergone overhaul revision and now involves at least three phases of preparedness--- political, economic and military.POLITICAL Preparedness may be achieved in part by employing some strategies; e.g 1. creating a treaty network that will serve the dual purpose of forming strong alliance and commitments with strong allies and, consequently, isolating any potential enemy;2. utilizing international tensions to implement policy;3. framing and prosecuting a positive, popularly supported, and vigorous foreign policy;4. avoiding, by negotiation, the precipitation of an overtly hostile act that might cause war;5. using international machinery for collective security.ECONOMIC preparedness involves;1. the possession of essential minerals, foodstuffs, and other raw materials or access to them;2. industrial capability3. administrative, industrial, scientific know-how necessary to create the weapons and other equipment and facilities needed by the military services4. financial capability or national wealth to undermine all the foregoing activities without incurring internal economic collapse. MILITARY requirements for maintenance of national security include;1. a long-range strategic plan of attack and defense, supplemented by constant study of possible tactical situations that might develop in encountering potential enemies;2. the organization and training of a fighting service that can efficiently utilize the modern engines of land, sea, and air power;3. plans for coordinating civilians, personnel and facilities to meet a war situation;4. the provision of adequate and proper logistical support, such as transportation and supply.Political Scientists include psychological preparedness as a final factor in national security. Whether it has been artificially induced by propaganda, the morale of the population can become a vital element in the maintenance of national security.Protecting National PrestigeThe fourth principle used in guiding the formulation of policy goals is the maintenance of national prestige. Inasmuch as individuals are concerned with their personal reputation in the community in which they live, the state, by the same token, is obliged to consider its reputation in the international affairs. A state must conduct its international affairs with pride and self-respect as a sovereign political entity.Developing PowerThis is the last important interest that constitutes the guiding principle in the formulation of policy goals, the acquisition of power. Power is a leverage. It is the ability to initiate and control events to obtain results. Kings, dictators and presidents are symbols of power. Winning a war is, in effect, the result of the virtual application of power. In any society, one group possesses the political, social, economic, and cultural affairs of the government, which another group tries to control. Power in politics is the capacity control or command over others to influence the peoples thoughts for the attainment of political goals. It is in this context that power may be inferred as the most universal of all principles that condition foreign policy goals.FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS CONDITIONING FOREIGN POLICYWhen experts in government devise the foreign policy of a particular country, there are certain requirements that must be considered. It is important that the goals it purports to achieve are in line with the basic tenets of existence in the international sphere that affect its status. These are the geographic strategic situation, population potential, economic endowment, and ideological environment. 1. The Geographic-Strategic RequirementsThe characteristics of the size, climate, topography, and shape are important requirements of the physical environment. -the size should be large enough to provide an adequate standard of living for a population.-the climate should be conducive to physical vigor, either temperate or tropical. -the topography of the physical environment offers boundaries with natural defense barriers such as rivers, lakes, oceans, swamps, deserts, mountains, and forests. -the shape should be relatively easy to defend in conventional warfare. These advantages are not present in all states.2. The PopulationThis variable is reflected in the multi-facets of a states foreign policy. The size, the socio-economic status and the dynamics of growth and decline of a nations population come into play in the formulation of its foreign policy. Other factors that are considered are the degree of its social integration in the national community and the adequacy and ability of its political institutions to cope with crises. 3. The Economic Endowment / ResourcesThe status of a states economic resources inevitably influence the shape of its foreign policy. The health of a states economic resource is an indicator of the vigor and viability it displays in its relation with other states. Economic analysts describe the function of an economic system as the utilization of land, labor, capital, and enterprise for production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.Normally, if the economic system comes up with expectations, the standard of living of the people is better. A powerful state is usually described as one possessing a well-integrated and highly industrialized economy. It is endowed with human and natural resources which are useful in the production of goods for consumption at home and for export abroad. The states foreign trade can meet adequately domestic needs and contribute toward the establishment of a favorable balance of trade with the rest of the world. A country that is rich in economic resources will play an important role in world affairs.4. The Ideological Environment/ ComponentPolitical thinkers generally agree that a nations ideology plays an important role in influencing the shape and direction of its domestic affairs; however, the extent of the impact of ideology upon foreign policy becomes a subject of debate. Ideology, as a body of doctrines and theories of the socio-political system of a social movement or institution reflects the belief and attitude of a people- the values they consider important and the goals they want to achieve, individually or collectively. The ideology of a nation serves to legitimize the existing political system and the scope of government authority. The people are socialized through customs, and traditions and education to accept ideological goals in justification for domestic policy decisions. To a certain extent, foreign policy is the statement of a nations aspiration and the purpose of its goals truly reflects its domestic needs. OFFICIAL AGENCIES THAT FORMULATE FOREIGN POLICYThe executive department assumes primary responsibility for the formation of the foreign policy of a state. The President, as chief of state, is the official spokesman of the government in its relations with other states. As head of the administration of he is in charge of the supervision of policy-making machinery. i.e. in the Unites States, the President can wield tremendous power in shaping foreign policy. His public utterances characterize the policy for the American citizenry. In some cases, their views become policies bearing their names; e.g. the Monroe Doctrine and the Truman Doctrine. He negotiates treaties, enters into executive agreements and appoints ambassadors. As commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, he may plan and direct military operations. The President may implement policy by political intervention. i.e. military intervention resorted to by President Harry Truman in Korea in 1950; President John F. Kennedy in Vietnam in 1966; and President Nixon in Cambodia in 1969. It will be noted that the Chief Executive of the United States is responsible for the expenditure of billions of dollars in the foreign-aid programs that constitute a vital part of the post World War II foreign policy. While these powers are not unlimited, the treaties must be approved by the Senate and the House, and ultimately, sanction executive agreements. The Presidents authority is also under the scrutiny of the opposition party and the vigilant and assertive public opinion. THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRSThe Secretary of Foreign Affairs is in charge of administering his department. He also supervises the diplomatic and consular services of the state and maintains contact with the legislative body. He is directly responsible for the policy-making on foreign matters that will redound to the welfare of the people. He also acts as the official adviser to the executive in matters of foreign relations. THE PROCESS OF FORMULATING POLICYForeign Policy is the outcome of a deliberate and intricate decision-making process. There are certain procedures in the formulation of policy and these include the following important functions:1. Information and intelligence gathering2. Data analysis3. Translation of information into alternative courses of action4. Planning5. Decision-makingAn effective foreign policy is based in part upon the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the description of the international environment and being available to the decision-makers. With the requisite facts on hand, an important variable is the ability to analyze and interpret them correctly. Information is an important instrument of power. It forms the subject of conversations between the elite and decision-making groups who are conducting diplomacy between states. The problems involved in foreign policy should be looked into by the decision-makers. These cover commerce, trade, agriculture, labor, science, and technology, as well as political and military matters, and must considered in the agenda when negotiating a treaty. Our primary source of gathering information is the diplomatic and consular corps. Generally, consuls gather economic information, while diplomats interpret political developments.Diplomatic missions vary in importance and this depends upon significance of the relations between particular states. A distinction between missions is reflected in the ranks of the diplomatic staff. The highest diplomatic ranks are those of ambassador (comparable papal officials are the nuncios and legates), envoy extraordinary, and minister plenipotentiary, all of equal status. Lesser ranks are minister resident, and charges d affairs. The other personnel perform specialized tasks and variously designated as agents, attaches and consular. THE EMBASSYGenerally, it includes political and economic departments: consular, public affairs, military attaches service and administrative section, and other related attached agencies operating in a particular country. These offices have the function of representing the state in its relations with the foreign governments to which they are accredited, and they provide adequate information on vital statistics of that states political, economic, and cultural life. The ambassador is constantly, involved in the business of diplomacy. He communicates messages from this government and responds to requests from the host country. He attends meetings and conferences, many of them of a social nature, representing his government in a public-relations role. He assists or conducts negotiations for treaties or commercial agreements. Listen and act on current negotiations between nations and the host country. He has to be ready with critical questions on current economic and political problems of his country. ECONOMIC INTELLIGENCEThe information with regard to the compilation of economic intelligence is vital through a separate network of consulates. A consulate is staffed by senior officials of varying ranks designated as consul general, consuls, and consular agent are assigned various tasks.The consul; Generally in charge of providing information on economic conditions of the country to which he is accredited Business and trade opportunities are carefully studied and analyzed, and enforcement of any existing commercial agreements is supervised. He is also responsible to nationals of his country who are travelling to the country in which he is stationed and are domiciled there. He reports to his superiors all information, political or otherwise, that he believes to be og significance. FOREIGN POLICY AND POLITICAL DYNAMICSPolicy planners on foreign policy usually cooperate within the framework of reference provided by past experiences. New policy stems from traditions deeply embedded in a nations history.It is an extension of past policy projected in the light of new developments and recent experiences.One of the most important elements in this process is the impact of public opinion as channeled through different parties and interest groups. INSTRUMENTS AND TACTICS IN THE EXECUTION OF FOREIGN POLICYThe final stage of the process of formulating policy is reaching a decision to adopt a course of action. The success hinges on the carefully designed plans and the efficacy of its implementations. The execution of foreign policy involves the skillful utilization of tactical instruments as an integral part of the strategic approach to policy formulation.The widely used instruments employed as policy device are categorized as (1) political-legal; (2) economic-financial; (3) military ; and (4) propagandistic-ideological.1. Political-legal. This device includes the use of recognized channels of negotiation such as good offices. This is done when one state offers to do the role of intermediary between two countries in dispute. Another case is adjudication wherein a dispute of two parties is submitted to a judicial tribunal, with prior agreement of the parties involved and they abide by its decision. Others are negotiations of treaty, a declaration of neutrality and the recall of instrumentalities which play a significant role when applied to specific political situations. 2. Economic-financial.The economic-financial instruments relate to the raising or lowering of tariff barriers or the use of cartels. The embargo and boycott strategies were utilized effectively as part of Hitlers economic program to achieve self-sufficiency. 3. Military.This military instrument of policy was almost perfected in between the two world wars. The announcements of a plan to increases or decrease the size of armed services may serve to implement policy. i.e mobilization, pacific blockade and a show of military struggle. The ultimate military instrument is war. 4. PropagandaThis instrument includes activities categorized under the general designation of propaganda. The use of mass communication through print and broadcast, motion picture and television are propaganda vehicles used in the execution of foreign policy. The art of propaganda is accepted by the leaders of the world. i.e. Hitler is particularly skillful in propaganda strategies. One of the most effective propaganda instruments of policy is a NATIONS IDEOLOGY. (This ideology includes a wide variety of accepted symbols that are virtually manipulated in defending or disputing policy issues) In the United States, democracy is symbolized by the Statue of Liberty, the American Eagle, or the blindfolded goddess holding the scale of justice. On the other hand, the communist symbol indicates the hammer and sickle. The struggle for power between the United States and the Soviet Union is often referred as the battle of ideologies. N.B. the execution of foreign policy may be hampered because of faulty planning, poor timing, poor judgment, vacillation and sheer inconsistency. Philippine SituationThe most important provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which pertain to the framing of Philippine foreign policy are as follows:

Article II, Section 2: "The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice."Renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy.This is the first aspect above declaration. It is in accordance with the principle in the United Nations Charter binding all members to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. The declaration refers only to the renunciation by the Philippines of aggressive war, not war in defense of her national honor and integrity. Men and nations cannot waive in advance the basic right of self-preservation. Under Article VI, Section 23 (1) of the Constitution, Congress with the concurrence of 2/3 of all its members, voting separately, may declare the existence of a state of war. Adoption of the generally accepted principles of international law as part of our law.International law refers to the body of rules and principles which governs the relations of nations and their respective peoples in their intercourse with one another.The second portion of the declaration binds the Philippines to enforce or observe within its jurisdiction, generally accepted principles of international law, whether customary or by treaty provision, as part of the law of the land. There is here an automatic adoption of international law as part of the law of the Philippines under what is known as the doctrine of incorporation. (1) When international usage to be applied. International usages or the customs of civilized nations are given effect by our courts in the absence of any treaty, executive order, legislative act, or judicial decision. An example of a principle established by international usage is that fishing boats belonging to an enemy are not subject to seizure in time of war. (2) A treaty has force of a statute. The constitution gives a treaty the same weight and value as a statute of Congress. In case of conflict between a treaty and a statute, the prior act superseded by the later one in point of time.When a treaty is superseded by a subsequent statute of Congress, the treaty is repealed or abrogated as [art of the law of the land but it still subsists as an engagement of the Philippines, although it may not be enforceable by our courts. The other State may only present its complaint to the political organs (i.e. President and Congress) of our government. (3) Constitution prevails over a treaty. the phrase law of the nation in the 1935 Constitution was changed to law of the land in the 1973 Constitution in order to avoid any conjecture that the generally accepted principles of international law are incorporated into Philippine law with the force of constitutional provisions. The change is retained in the new constitution. Thus, should a conflict arise between the Constitution and a treaty, the former prevails.Adherence to the policy of peace, equality, justice with all nationsThe third aspect is a corollary to the foregoing portions of the above declaration of principle. It shows a positive attitude on the part of the Philippines toward the observance of the principles of the United Nations Charter and to universally accepted rules and principles of international law.In line with the objectives of the United Nations, the Philippines seeks only peace and frienship with her neighbors and all countries of the world, regardless of race, creed, ideology and political system, on the basis of mutual trust, respect and cooperation. It supports the right of all nations, big and small, to equality, freedom, and justice in their relations with one another and the policy of non-interference and peaceful settlement of international disputes and opposes the use of force, or the threat of force, in relations among nations. Article II, Section 7: "The State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other states the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination."Foreign Policy of the PhilippinesForeign Policy is the basic direction underlying the conduct by a State of its affairs vis--vis those of other States. It is a set of guidelines followed by a government of a country in order to promote its national interest through the conduct of its relations with other countries. (1) Formulation and conduct of foreign policy. The President is the chief architect of Philippine foreign policy. Under our constitutional system, Congress shares with the President the responsibility of formulating the countrys foreign policy although the conduct thereof is primarily reposed in the executive department. The President formulates our foreign policy principally with the help of the Department of Foreign Affairs.(2) An instrument of domestic policy. Its importance is the survival and progress of a country cannot be over-emphasized. It is the sole weapon of a State for the promotion of national interest in international affairs. Thus, foreign policy is but a reflection and an instrument of domestic policy, the former being related to and dictated by the latter. They are not only mutually consistent but complementary. (3) Pursuit of an independent foreign policy The Constitution mandates the State to pursue an independent foreign policy, aware of the unwelcome consequences of a policy characterized by excessive dependence on another country. An independent foreign policy simply means one that is not subordinate or subject to nor dependent upon the support of another government. -an independent nation rejects foreign dictation and decides for itself what the national interest is and how it is to be promoted and protected. (b) An independent foreign policy, however, it is not one that completely rejects advice or assistance from without. Neither does it mean abandoning traditional allies or being isolated from the international community. -to be realistic, a foreign policy must have a global outlook in view of the deleterious effect on the countrys relations with other countries of a foreign policy that revolves only on our relations with select members of the international community. Being a small developing nation, we must make no enemy if we can make a friend. (4) Basic Foreign Policy Objective. In general, our basic foreign policy objective is to establish friendly relations with all countries of the world regardless of race, religion, ideology, and social system and to promote as much beneficial relations with them particularly in economic and trade activities. (5) Paramount consideration The Constitution recognizes that in the pursuit of an independent foreign policy in an interdependent world, new realities and new situations may require the Philippines to make a reappraisal of the conduct of its foreign relations. Independence in the making and conduct foreign policy is relative. The National interest will not be served by trying to deal with the regional and international issues in absolute terms. Ours must be a policy of flexibility and pragmatism guided only by the welfare of our people and the security of our Republic.In its relations with other states, the paramount consideration of the Philippines shall be:1. National Sovereignty2. Territorial Integrity3. National Interest4. Right to self-determinationPrinciples of Independence and Self-determinationThe state shall manifests general sovereignty of the people over their territorial integrity, and over their wealth and natural resources. It shall be the duty of the state to promote mutual respect for sovereignty and equality among other states.In the spirit of friendship and co-existence, the State shall foster peaceful settlement of conflicts and the establishment of system control for national security, capable of promoting peace and justice in relations with other independent states. As such, the country shall strengthen ties of friendship with neighboring territories in the region, at the very least. Republic Act No. 7157, otherwise known as "Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991", gives mandate to the Department of Foreign Affairs to implement the three (3) pillars of the Philippine Foreign Policy, as follows:1. Preservation and enhancement of national security2. Promotion and attainment of economic security3. Protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interest of Filipinos overseas.UPDATES ON PHILIPPINE FOREIGN POLICY UNDER THE PNOY ADMINISTRATION (President Benigno Aquino)The purpose of PHILIPPINE FOREIGN POLICY is to secure the NATIONAL INTEREST in our dealings with FOREIGN NATIONS, REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL BODIES, this has been done through its three long-established pillars as stated above.1. Preservation and enhancement of national security - The Philippines is necessarily working to secure and protect our territorial integrity, which includes our maritime domains.The West Philippine Sea remains a core national interest for the country and diplomatically we are working to ensure that what is ours is ours.-Build a safe and strong regional neighborhood. We should consider the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the bedrock of Philippine Foreign Policy for the 21st century.-Prepared to address both traditional and Non-traditional security threats possibility of confrontation, invasion, and war with neighboring countries on territorial disputes and non-traditional security concerns climate crisis, epidemic diseases, maritime piracy, etc. we should focus on our foreign policy more than ever. Our military capabilities are undeniably limited, even by regional standards, and that means our diplomatic efforts, in the meantime, are central to compensating for such crucial capability-gap. -Through ASEAN and on our own, we must engage China, India, Japan, and other major regional powers such as Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia in mutually beneficial security and defense dialogues.-strong defense partnership with the United States, built upon our bilateral PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), which will remain crucial for our defense modernization.-Bilateral relation with Australia, with whom we have increasingly strong defense cooperation, also supports our Coast Watch Project.We have been receiving assistance from them in terms of expert advice and guidance, establishment of links with the Australian Customs Service, and the development of command and control systems. We also continue to benefit from education and training opportunities provided by Australia and New Zealand for the officers and personnel of the DND and the AFP. Thus far, over 150 AFP officers have availed of various courses on maritime security, defense studies and systems engineering offered by the institutions from Australia and New Zealand.-maintain close cooperation with Japan in strengthening the Philippine Coasts Guards capacity in maritime security through provision of equipment and human resource development.We are currently in discussions for the acquisition of additional vessels to patrol the countrys 36,000 nautical mile coastline.-With South Korea, we also entered into framework agreement last year for the provision of $ 500 million in soft loans to finance the upgrading of our Coast Guards information and communication systems. -With Italy, we signed a five-year defense agreement in January that would expedite the procurement by the AFP of defense articles from Italian Suppliers. -From Poland, we procured helicopters. The first delivery of four (4) Sokol Helicopters were made and the balance of another 4 units are expected to arrive.-We also signed similar defense cooperation agreements with Israel, Spain, and Vietnam.-Our country must also continue its vibrant relations with the countries of the Middle East in resolving the Mindanao problems, the Palestinian issues, and global terrorism.-We should also remain active in the United Nations in promoting global peace and development. Last May 2011, the Philippines successfully chaired the 2010 Review of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which is the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.-The Philippines should also continue its involvement in peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance. (In this manner, the Philippines is doing its part as a responsible member of the international community of nations).Why must the Philippines continue to be engaged on the regional and global stage?-It is because we seek stability not just for its own sake, but also for our own reasons. We want to avoid foreign problems spilling over into our homeland or our region. We want to pursue national development for which access to prosperous world markets and safe maritime routes is essential. We want our Filipinos overseas to be safe and secure in their host nations. 2. Promotion and attainment of economic security economic diplomacy enhancementPNOYs twin goal of economic development:-Job Creation and Poverty Alleviationa. various economic diplomacy activities that are closely aligned with the Presidents priorities of poverty alleviation and job creation such as promotion of TRADE, INVESTMENT AND TOURISM should be undertaken.b. manage the reality of globalization with greater aggressiveness and skill if we do not want the Philippines to be left further behind in the global development race. 3. Protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interest of Filipinos overseas.-pursue or enhance migrant worker related bilateral agreements, regional arrangements and international standards and consultations. The latter includes the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD), both of which the Philippines helped to realize.