Statecraft and Foreign Policy

Chapter 5: The State and the Tools of Statecraft

Learning Objectives

• Explain various sources of states' power potential.

• Understand models that help explain how states make foreign policy decisions.

• Explain various tools of statecraft preferred by realists, liberals, and constructivists.

• Analyze major contemporary challenges to the state.

The Centrality of States

• States are critical actors in international relations, engaging in warfare, cooperation, treaty-making, and economic policymaking.

• Future chapters will explore:

  • Chapter 6: War

  • Chapter 7: Cooperation and international law

  • Chapter 8: Economic relations

  • Chapter 9: International organizations

U.S.-China Relations as a Case Study

• Ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China, escalating since 2018 with:

  • Introduction of tariffs by the U.S.

  • COVID-19 accusations from both countries.

• Economic conflict has extended to currency manipulation and trade negotiations.

• Strategic disagreements have also developed.

• Essential questions arise about the future of cooperation between these two powers.

Understanding State Power

• Glossary of key terms:

  • State: An organized political unit recognized by other states.

  • Power: The ability to influence others and control outcomes.

  • Power potential: The capacity of a state based on its resources.

• State power is crucial for influencing international relations, consisting of several sources:

  • Natural Sources: Geographic size, resources, population.

  • Tangible Sources: Economic development, military strength, industrial capacity.

  • Intangible Sources: Public support, government quality, leadership.

Sources of State Power

Natural Sources

• Geographic size and position can enhance power potential.

• Natural resources contribute significantly to power; example: oil-rich nations wield substantial influence despite small size.

• Population size influences a state's ability to produce goods and services—large, healthy populations yield greater economic power.

Tangible Sources

• Industrial development and military capabilities modify how geographic advantages play out.

• Advanced economies can mitigate geographic disadvantages (e.g., air travel).

Intangible Sources

• Public morale and organizational cohesion are vital; weak public support can diminish state power, as seen in conflicts like Vietnam.

Hard vs. Soft Power

• Hard Power: Coercive techniques (military, economic sanctions) used to influence other states.

  • E.g., U.S. sanctions against Iran, military actions in conflicts.

• Soft Power: Persuasive techniques based on legitimacy, values, and principles.

  • E.g., China's "mask diplomacy" during COVID-19.

• Smart Power: Combination of both hard and soft power strategies.

Tools of Statecraft

Types of Statecraft Techniques:

1. Diplomacy: Nonviolent dialogue and negotiations between states.

   • Public Diplomacy: Targeting foreign public opinions to enhance a state's image.

   • Track Two Diplomacy: Informal discussions by non-governmental actors aiming for conflict resolution.

2. Economic Statecraft: Use of incentives (positive engagement) or punitive measures (sanctions).

3. Use of Force: Military actions to compel or deter actions from other states.

Credibility in Statecraft

• A state must be perceived as having both the ability and the will to execute its policies for them to be effective.

Models of Foreign Policy Decision-Making

• Rational Model: Envisions states as unitary actors weighing options based on potential outcomes; often applied in crises.

• Organizational Process and Bureaucratic Politics Models: Recognize the influence of varied governmental organizations and internal negotiations on decision-making.

• Pluralist Model: Highlights the role societal interests and public opinion play in shaping foreign policy.

• Constructivist Approach: Focuses on norms and cultural factors driving decisions; emphasizes how states’ strategic cultures shape behavior.

Challenges to the State

• Increasing impact of transnational movements, including extremist ideologies and crime, undermining state control.

• Rise of ethnonational movements demanding sovereignty and autonomy (e.g., Kashmir, Uighurs).

• Challenges from fragile states exhibit inability to maintain order and provide services, leading to crises.

  • Examples include Yemen and Somalia, with humanitarian crises exacerbated by conflict.

Summary of Key Concepts

• Power: The ability to influence or control outcomes significantly in international relations.

• Statecraft: The strategies employed by states to exert power, including diplomacy, economic measures, and force.

• Decision-making models illustrate varied influences on how states create their foreign policies.