Question

distinguish between foreign policy orientations, like unilateralism/isolationism, neutrality, and engagement/internationalism?

Answer 1

The main differences between the above mentioned three foreign policy orientations is explained as under :

Unilateralism also known with the name of isolationism is basically a foreign policy orientation adopted by a particular country wherein the it follows a one sided approach to the international problems which involve disregarding the other countries and focusing on the interests of one's nation only. It is an orientation which does not take into consideration the interests of other states. Thus it approaches foreign relations without the support of other countries or nations.

The best example of Unilateral action taken in real life by any nation is the decision taken by American President Donald Trump in 2017 to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord saying that it hurt American jobs and thus American interests while all the other 200 nations stand by the Accord. Those withdrawal was purely based on prioritising the nation's interest over others.

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In comparison to this approach, Neutrality is a foreign policy orientation wherein the nations irrespective of their interests stay neutral or indifferent towards the international relations. It is an approach through which the state pursues its national interests and does not follow a one sided approach. It therefore like Unilateralism, does not completely ignore the interests of other countries while dealing with international issues but rather prefers to stay neutral by supporting each equally.

In the above example the decision of a particular country to stay neutral to this accord by not ignoring the climate emergency while also not opposing the decision of Donald Trump to withdraw will be referred to as the neutral approach towards international relations.

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While as Internationalism being a more wider approach to international relations takes into consideration the interests of all nations by supporting them and acting bilateral or multilateral towards the international issues. Here in this foreign policy orientation , the nation engages fully with the other countries through interacting with them. It is a cooperative approach between Nations to solve problems who join together for political, cultural and economical support. Therefore this approach transcends nationalism and consider uniting with other nations for solving international emergencies.

In the above mentioned example, the decision of 200 countries to unite and stand together by joining the Paris Climate Accord can be referred to as the Internationalism or Engagement. Here they consider mutual interests as more valuable than individual interests.

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